1990s Cartier Santos Galbee Automatic 30mm Steel & Gold 2961
Ref: 2961

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Cartier box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited black leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1990s and is sold in worn, but a recent polish. At some point, the case has had its original push pins removed and soldered and new regular spring bar holes drilled, it has been done professionally and well. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

In 1847 Louis-Francois Cartier founded Cartier in Paris, France. He quickly established himself by catering to the elites in society. In 1903 they created their first men's wristwatch, inspired by his pilot friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, who called it the Santos. Just four years later in 1907 Cartier began a partnership with Edmond Jaeger of the prominent watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre. Jaeger agreed to be the exclusive supplier of movements for Cartier watches. In 1917 they debuted the Tank. Their watches were so popular that copies soon appeared to counteract this. Cartier introduced reference numbers to each watch. Today Cartier is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group that includes IWC, Montblanc, Vacheron Constantin.

The 30mm square stainless steel case with curves that soften the boxy shape and the slender gently curved lugs float over your wrist. Inspired by a square pocket watch Cartier made early on. Polished and brushed surfaces are expertly finished. The yellow gold bezel has the characteristic eight screws intended to simulate the screws found on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. On the right side, a heptagon crown protected by crown guards with a blue cabochon inset. A flat sapphire crystal protects the crisp white dial. Large Roman numerals in black radiate around the inner minute track, like the Paris roads, radiating from the Arc de Triomphe. At 3 o’clock a small date window. Elegant slim thermally blued sword hands are nicely balanced by a sweeping center second hand. The design takes its cues from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s. On the reverse a screwed-down case back. Inside an Automatic ETA 2671, 25 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on an 18mm black leather strap.

Personal Note