THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: CARTIER
MODEL: 2961
YEAR: 1979
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 29x41mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC 

The Santos Carrée is one of Cartier’s most iconic designs. First introduced in 1978 as part of the new Santos de Cartier range, it was Cartier’s attempt at creating a sportier line, inspired by the Genta designs of the era. This model also introduced a newly designed integrated bracelet for the very first time.

This is believed to be the rarest configuration of the 2961, known as the Ghost Dial. The only printing on the brushed grey dial is the stunning Cartier typography in gold—a true head-turner.

The watch is in excellent condition. We have been fortunate to handle several of these over the past few years, but this one features a near-perfect, original Swiss-only signed dial. No marks are visible to the eye, with just a single small white blemish in the top-left corner. The case and gold bezel are crisp, showing minimal polishing, and the bracelet is fully linked to accommodate a 19cm wrist.

The movement was serviced within the last few months and is running superbly at +4 s/d, 260 amplitude, with a beat error of 0.3 ms.

The Ghost Dial Santos is currently one of the most sought-after Cartiers in the world. Around 2,000 grey-dial examples are known, but with this particular typography and brushing, the exact number remains a mystery. Expect these to continue rising in popularity as more and more collectors discover these vintage delights.