Cartier Santos Carree 2961 + 2025 Cartier Service & Pouch

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 impractical use of 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 is in beautiful condition. The case and the 18K yellow gold screwed bezel are still nicely sharp, making all original lines and curves perfectly visible. The watch has a size of 29 x 41 mm, the perfect medium size for both men and women.

The watch is equipped with a classic white dial, which contributes to its timeless appearance. The dial is a "Swiss Made" instead of a "Swiss" dial. Additionally, this Santos Carrée 2961 comes with its Cartier service papers from 2025, where the recent full service was performed by Cartier through a well-known Dutch retailer. 

This Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 is of course equipped with the characteristic blue hands and the blue cabochon crown. The bracelet shows slight stretch, but is still in good condition given its age. The clasp, which features the famous Cartier logo, makes this watch feel like a beautiful piece of jewelry.

This beautiful vintage Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 comes with a full Cartier service, performed in 2025, the accompanying Cartier service documents, and a red Cartier pouch.

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

What you need to know:
- Santos Carree, reference 2961
- Classic white dial (Swiss Made)
- Blue hands and cabochon crown
- Gold/steel Cartier bracelet, with slight stretch and logo on the clasp
- Sharp 29 mm case, perfect for both ladies and gentlemen
- Movement serviced by Cartier in January 2025
- 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 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 impractical use of 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 determined by this. The case was designed to be robust, and the screws that held the glass were meant to remind one of the legs of the new Eiffel Tower. The black Roman numerals also suggest the radial design of the streets and wide boulevards of Paris.