Cartier Santos Carrée ref. 2961 in Steel and Yellow Gold, circa 1985

Iconic and timeless Cartier Santos Carrée wristwatch in steel and yellow gold produced circa 1985.
The case alternates mirror-polished/shiny and brushed/satin-finished surfaces, a contrast furthered by the dual presence of steel and yellow gold. Perfect white dial with typically Cartier Roman numerals, blued steel sword hands and octagonal winding crown set with a blue cabochon. An instantly recognizable design.
The automatic movement has been completely overhauled by one of our experienced watchmakers and functions impeccably.
Preserved in excellent overall condition, this Santos Carrée even retains almost all of the original red enamel/laquer on its case back engravings.
Originally designed for men, this vintage Cartier is perfectly suitable for both male and female wrists.

The Cartier Santos is an iconic model that, since its creation in the early 20th century, has made its mark on the history of watchmaking as one of the first men's wristwatches. This particular model, reference 2961, is a modern reinterpretation of this icon, combining classic elegance with contemporary robustness. Produced in the 1980s and 1990s, this version stands out for its timeless design, with a steel case and bracelet enhanced with touches of 18-carat yellow gold.

The square steel case, an ideal size for most wrists, features a mirror-polished bezel and chamfers, contrasting elegantly with the satin-brushed surfaces of the case and bracelet. Another distinctive visual contrast is provided by the alternating grey of the steel and gold of the bezel and bracelet screws. This design thus combines a certain “industrial”, angular aesthetic with a refinement very specific to Cartier. The minimalist white dial is adorned with Cartier’s characteristic Roman numerals, combined with blue sword hands for perfect readability. The railroad track around the dial allows for precise reading of the minutes, reinforcing the practical and elegant character of the watch. The octagonal winding crown is adorned with a blue cabochon.

The original bracelet, also in steel with yellow gold screws and again very angular is another major asset of this piece. It fits the wrist perfectly and demonstrates Cartier's attention to both comfort and design. Its hidden folding clasp ensures maximum security while maintaining the bracelet's refined aesthetic.

This Cartier Santos reference 2961 is powered by an automatic movement. The latter has been fully serviced by one of our watchmakers and operates to the strictest tolerances, making this watch perfect for everyday wear as well as for special occasions. Unusually for a model of this age, the inscriptions on the case back still retain almost all of the original red enamel/laquer, a detail appreciated by collectors for its rarity, its charm, and as a testimony to the very good overall condition of the watch.

This Cartier Santos Carrée is preserved in very good overall condition.
The dial, without scratches, paint chips nor spidering, is a bright white, without traces of yellowing or degradation as is often the case on the Santos 2960/2961 models.
The steel case has some surface scratches from use but retains its original proportions and finishes, alternating between matte/brushed and shiny surfaces. The engravings on the caseback are perfectly legible, including that of the serial number. Almost all of the original red enamel/laquer is preserved.
The blue cabochon on the winding crown is intact.
The self-winding mechanical movement has been completely overhauled by one of our experienced watchmakers, and operates to the strictest tolerances.
The bracelet has no stretch no damage, has never been restored, and articulates perfectly.

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