1980s Cartier Santos Carree Two Tone (Ref. 2961)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
The Santos’ story begins in 1904 when Louis Cartier designed a square wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, frustrated by the impracticality of pocket watches while flying. It was among the first purpose-built men’s wristwatches, a revolutionary design that helped shape modern watchmaking.
The Santos Dumont would become an icon of early aviation style, seen on Santos-Dumont’s wrist during his historic 1906 flights. Cartier later expanded the design, introducing platinum and yellow gold versions and developing the deployant buckle, still a Cartier innovation in use today.
By 1978, Cartier reimagined the Santos for a new era. The Santos de Cartier debuted with an integrated bracelet and steel case accented by gold screws, one of the first “bimetal” luxury watches. The Santos Carrée, as seen here, became the defining shape of that era, characterized by its squared case, exposed screws, and sleek automatic movement. It remains one of Cartier’s most collectible and enduring designs.
Writer’s Thoughts
There’s something timeless about the Santos Carrée. It feels both vintage and modern, dressy and sporty, a balance few watches achieve. The early two-tone examples like this one have a certain charm, with the yellow gold bezel and bracelet screws contrasting beautifully against the brushed steel. The presence of the original red lacquer on the caseback and the early serial number details make this an especially compelling piece for collectors.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.
Brand: Cartier
Model: Santos Carrée Ref. 2961
Year: 1980s
Case Material: Stainless steel with yellow gold bezel and accents
Case Size: 29mm
Bezel: Smooth yellow gold bezel with visible screw detail
Dial: Classic white dial with black Roman numerals and blued-steel hands
Crystal: Mineral crystal
Movement: Automatic winding
Bracelet: Original two-tone flat-linked Santos Carrée bracelet
Clasp: Original steel clasp with yellow gold Cartier logo
Contents: Watch only
Case: Lightly polished, retaining even chamfers and strong geometry; remnants of original red lacquer still visible on the caseback. Likely an early example without “2961” included in the serial number.
Crystal: Mineral crystal in excellent condition, free of chips or cracks.
Dial: Original “Swiss Only” dial in near-perfect condition with no cracks or chips.
Hands: Original blued-steel hands remain sharp and clean.
Bracelet: Original two-tone bracelet fits just over 7 inches; little to no slack.
Clasp: Cartier-signed clasp is firm and secure.
1980s Cartier Santos Carree Two Tone (Ref. 2961)
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All our watches are carefully inspected to insure and guarantee the authenticity.
The Details
All our watches are scrutinized during inspection to make sure our descriptions are as accurate as possible.
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- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
The Santos’ story begins in 1904 when Louis Cartier designed a square wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, frustrated by the impracticality of pocket watches while flying. It was among the first purpose-built men’s wristwatches, a revolutionary design that helped shape modern watchmaking.
The Santos Dumont would become an icon of early aviation style, seen on Santos-Dumont’s wrist during his historic 1906 flights. Cartier later expanded the design, introducing platinum and yellow gold versions and developing the deployant buckle, still a Cartier innovation in use today.
By 1978, Cartier reimagined the Santos for a new era. The Santos de Cartier debuted with an integrated bracelet and steel case accented by gold screws, one of the first “bimetal” luxury watches. The Santos Carrée, as seen here, became the defining shape of that era, characterized by its squared case, exposed screws, and sleek automatic movement. It remains one of Cartier’s most collectible and enduring designs.
Writer’s Thoughts
There’s something timeless about the Santos Carrée. It feels both vintage and modern, dressy and sporty, a balance few watches achieve. The early two-tone examples like this one have a certain charm, with the yellow gold bezel and bracelet screws contrasting beautifully against the brushed steel. The presence of the original red lacquer on the caseback and the early serial number details make this an especially compelling piece for collectors.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.
Brand: Cartier
Model: Santos Carrée Ref. 2961
Year: 1980s
Case Material: Stainless steel with yellow gold bezel and accents
Case Size: 29mm
Bezel: Smooth yellow gold bezel with visible screw detail
Dial: Classic white dial with black Roman numerals and blued-steel hands
Crystal: Mineral crystal
Movement: Automatic winding
Bracelet: Original two-tone flat-linked Santos Carrée bracelet
Clasp: Original steel clasp with yellow gold Cartier logo
Contents: Watch only
Case: Lightly polished, retaining even chamfers and strong geometry; remnants of original red lacquer still visible on the caseback. Likely an early example without “2961” included in the serial number.
Crystal: Mineral crystal in excellent condition, free of chips or cracks.
Dial: Original “Swiss Only” dial in near-perfect condition with no cracks or chips.
Hands: Original blued-steel hands remain sharp and clean.
Bracelet: Original two-tone bracelet fits just over 7 inches; little to no slack.
Clasp: Cartier-signed clasp is firm and secure.