Cartier Santos Carrée Ref. 2961 1980's w/ Box & Booklets

The Cartier Santos is among the most historically significant watch designs of the twentieth century — the first purpose-built wristwatch for a pilot, conceived by Louis Cartier for Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, and refined across the decades into one of the most enduring silhouettes in horology. The Santos Carrée, with its square case and exposed screws on the bezel, distils the original design intent without compromise: architectural, legible, and unmistakably Cartier.

This Ref. 2961 roughly dates to the 1980s — a period when the Santos was at the height of its cultural prominence — and is presented in the two-tone steel and 18k yellow gold configuration that defined the reference for a generation. It comes accompanied by its original Cartier box, Santos booklet, and a blank warranty card.

Cartier Santos Carrée Ref. 2961 1980's w/ Box & Booklets

The Cartier Santos is among the most historically significant watch designs of the twentieth century — the first purpose-built wristwatch for a pilot, conceived by Louis Cartier for Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, and refined across the decades into one of the most enduring silhouettes in horology. The Santos Carrée, with its square case and exposed screws on the bezel, distils the original design intent without compromise: architectural, legible, and unmistakably Cartier.

This Ref. 2961 roughly dates to the 1980s — a period when the Santos was at the height of its cultural prominence — and is presented in the two-tone steel and 18k yellow gold configuration that defined the reference for a generation. It comes accompanied by its original Cartier box, Santos booklet, and a blank warranty card.

Details
- Maker
  
  Cartier
- Model
  
  Santos Carrée
- Reference
  
  2961
- Year
  
  1980s (approx.)
- Box & Papers
  
  Yes; Box, Santos booklet; Papers: No (blank warranty card)
- Movement
  
  Calibre. 077, automatic w/ quickest date function
- Dial & Hands
  
  White 'Swiss' dial w/ Roman numerals & blue sword hands
- Bezel
  
  Fixed, 18k yellow gold
- Crystal
  
  Sapphire
- Bracelet/Strap
  
  MK2 bracelet w/ 21 links & butterfly closure, stainless steel & 18k yellow gold
- Performance
  
  Watch is fully functioning and running at +5 seconds per day
Dimensions
- Width: 29mm
- Length: 41mm
- Lug width: 18mm
Materials

Stainless steel & 18k yellow gold

The Santos Carrée Ref. 2961 in two-tone steel and 18k yellow gold represents the reference at its most emblematic — the configuration that defined the Santos aesthetic through the 1980s and which has since become the most recognisable variant of the reference on the secondary market. The contrast between the steel case flanks and the gold bezel screws remains as visually compelling today as it was at the point of purchase
The original white dial, with its black Roman numeral hour markers and intact 'Swiss' signature, is an important detail on examples of this period. An uncracked, unclouded original dial in this condition is not a given on 1980s Cartier pieces of this age, and its preservation here adds meaningful value to the overall example
The MK2 integrated bracelet with butterfly closure is a practical and meaningful upgrade over the earlier single-clasp configuration — more secure on the wrist and considerably more convenient to operate daily. Finding a Ref. 2961 fitted with the updated bracelet in sound, sag-free condition is a genuine advantage for the collector who intends to wear the piece

Some scratches on the bezel, bracelet, and case
Some wear near the crown guard

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