The Santos was originally created out of a very specific need in 1904. Louis Cartier designed a wrist-watch for his aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont so that he could tell the time in flight without letting go of the controls. This explains why the Santos is often presented as one of the very first wrist-watches designed for modern use, with an aesthetic that was already very "Cartier": exposed screws, assertive geometry, and great legibility.

This Cartier Santos ref. 2960, purchased new in 1984, then left the boutique to begin its life on the wrist of its first owner.

Forty years later, it retains that presence. Its all-steel configuration, rarer to find than the common two-tone versions of the time, gives it a clean and timeless look, while the Burgundy dial provides true singularity: a deep and elegant burgundy, whose shade subtly evolves depending on the light.

This example also stands out for its consistency and completeness: the watch is offered in excellent condition, accompanied by its box, papers, and all its original links.

Finally, its provenance is particularly interesting: we purchased it directly from the first owner, who carefully preserved it.

He told us that in 2000, during a service at Cartier, he was offered to replace the dial with a version featuring white Roman numerals, a proposal he refused in order to preserve the original configuration.

Specifications:

Brand: Cartier

Model: Santos 2960

Movement: ETA 2671 automatic mechanical

Case: Steel

Dial: Original Burgundy "Swiss"

Bracelet: Steel with all original links

Year: 1984

Condition: Excellent

Last service: January 2025

Content delivered: Full Set