Santos de Cartier ref 2961, LM - steel & gold - box & papers

Maker: Cartier
Model: Santos de Cartier
Reference: 2961
Size: LM (large)
Year: 1990's
Case & Bezel Material: Steel and Gold two tone
Case Dimensions: 29mm diameter (excluding crown guard), 41mm lug to lug
Movement: Cartier Automatic movement, running at -2.3 seconds/day
Service history: January 2022
Bracelet/Strap: original Cartier integrated bracelet in steel and gold. Full links. Fits wrist size until 19cm (about 7.3 inches)
Lug width: 17.5mm
Box/Papers: Cartier outer/inner box, certificate of guarantee, and user manual.

This watch needs no introduction. The Santos was born in 1978 as a a result of Cartier’s decision to try to appeal to a younger crowd who leaned towards sportier watches. In order to give the new watch a sense of luxury, Cartier decided to launch the model in steel with gold accents. A daring combination, since the mix of steel and gold was not common at that time. The Santos now is an icon and arguably the most famous Cartier timepiece in the brands storied history. The watch was further memorialized in the movie Wall Street, where the all yellow gold version was worn by Gordon Gekko played by Michael Douglas. The reference 2961 is the steel/gold combination version of the Santos de Cartier, also referred to as the Carree amongst Cartier enthusiasts. This is the LM size which is the men's size of the Santos de Cartier.

Overall, this Santos is in excellent vintage condition. The case has some light bumps and scratches but is overall sharp and retains its original bevels. The gold bezel and the integrated bracelet also has some minor scratches throughout - consistent with the age of this watch. As with the vast majority of Cartier white lacquered dials produced in the 80's and 90's, the dial has formed minor cracks but nothing major and is only visible at an angle. The original black painted numerals is in beautiful condition. The dial itself is in very clean condition with no blemishes or discoloration. The blue steeled hands as well as the crown guards and blue sapphire cabochon is in excellent shape. The watch comes with its outer & inner Cartier box, Cartier certificate of guarantee and instruction manual. The automatic movement was serviced last year by the previous owner and was checked by our watchmakers . It is currently running at -2.3 sec/day. The bracelet has its full links and can fit up to a wrist size of 19cm.

Ships from Japan