Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 'Godron Bracelet' + Box & Warranty Papers

Cartier is primarily known for its jewelry, but it also has a very rich history when it comes to watchmaking. In 1888, Cartier began making ladies' wristwatches. At that time, it was more common for men to choose the traditional pocket watch. Louis Cartier gave a good Brazilian friend, Santos Dumont, who was an aviation pioneer, a watch to wear during flights because he complained about the impracticality of using a pocket watch while flying. The Cartier Santos-Dumont was not only the first watch for men but also the first true pilot's watch.

The Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 that we have here makes us extremely happy! The watch is in great condition, just as we like to see it. The case, along with the 18K yellow gold screwed bezel, is razor-sharp, making all the original angles and curves still perfectly visible. The watch has a size of 29 x 41 mm, the perfect medium size for both men and women. It features a classic white dial, which is period-correct for the year due to the ''Swiss Only'' designation. Additionally, this Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 is equipped with the famous blue hands and blue cabochon crown. The crystal has a very small scratch at the bottom right, which is barely visible in normal use; we have chosen to keep it in its original condition.

You may have noticed that we have had several Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 models, but not previously with this type of bracelet. This bracelet is also known as the "Godron bracelet" and was at the time an optional, alternative version alongside the well-known integrated bracelet with flat links and visible screws. The name 'Godron' refers to the rounded, slightly ribbed shape of the center links. In combination with the clasp, featuring the famous Cartier logo, this watch wears like a beautiful piece of jewelry. Of course, the bracelet, despite its age, shows no stretch and is in stunning condition!

The reliable Cartier ETA movement has recently been serviced by a Cartier service center in the Netherlands (Tempus). This beautiful vintage Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 with Godron bracelet comes with box, vintage warranty papers (card), Cartier booklet/manual, Cartier wallet, and 24 months warranty on the movement from 10 over 10.

Would you like to see this watch in person, while enjoying a good cup of coffee? Check here for the options to schedule an appointment.

What you need to know:
- Cartier Santos Carrée, reference 2961
- Gold/steel Godron Cartier bracelet, no stretch, with logo on the clasp
- Sharp 29 mm case, perfect for both ladies and gentlemen
- Movement recently serviced
- Delivered with box, vintage warranty papers (card), Cartier booklet/manual, and Cartier wallet
- 24 months warranty on the movement
- Free, insured shipping within the EU

Cartier

In 1847, Louis-François Cartier took over the jewelry workshop from his master. His sons and grandsons inherited the family business over the years. They opened stores in London and New York. In 1904, the Cartier brand was even appointed by King Edward VII of the United Kingdom as "the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers." Cartier became so popular that royal commissions came in from all over the world. 

Cartier is primarily known for its jewelry, but it also has a very rich history in watchmaking. In 1888, Cartier began making ladies' wristwatches. At that time, it was more common for men to choose the traditional pocket watch. Louis Cartier gave a good Brazilian friend, Santos Dumont, an aviation pioneer, a watch to wear during flights because he complained about the impracticality of using a pocket watch while flying. The Cartier Santos-Dumont was not only the first watch for men but also the first true pilot's watch.

The case of the Santos was apparently inspired by a square pocket watch that Cartier had made. The design of the dial signals a shift towards the Art Deco style that would define the 1920s and 30s. To this day, Cartier's design is influenced by this. The case was designed to be robust, and the screws that held the glass in place were meant to resemble the legs of the new Eiffel Tower. The black Roman numerals also suggest the radial design of the streets and wide boulevards of Paris.