Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 'Leather Strap'

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 watch to a good Brazilian friend, Santos Dumont, who was an aviation pioneer, in 1904 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 is different from what we are used to at 10 over 10! The watch is certainly in good condition, but is equipped with a smooth black leather strap, instead of the well-known integrated gold-steel Cartier bracelet, something for our classic watch lovers among us! The case is beautifully sharp, making all corners and curves still perfectly visible. The yellow gold bezel is also still in good condition.

The watch has a size of 29 x 41 mm, the perfect medium size for both men and women. The classic white dial contributes to the timeless appearance. Additionally, this Cartier Santos Carrée 2961 features the famous blue hands and the iconic blue cabochon crown.

The reliable Cartier ETA movement had a service in November 2025 at an official Cartier service center. This beautiful vintage Cartier Santos Carrée 2961, equipped with a leather strap, comes with a 24-month 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:
- Santos Carrée, reference 2961
- Classic white dial
- Blue hands and cabochon crown
- Fitted with a smooth black leather strap (not a Cartier strap and no Cartier buckle)
- Sharp case of 29 mm, perfect for both ladies and gentlemen
- Watch serviced in November 2025
- Delivered with a 24-month 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 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 watch to a good Brazilian friend, Santos Dumont, who was an aviation pioneer, in 1904 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 1930s. To this day, Cartier's design is determined by this. The case was designed to be robust, and the screws that held the glass in place 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.