Cartier Santos Galbée 'Moonphase' ref. 119901 / W20007C4 - Dutch Full-Set - Approx. 1989

The Cartier Santos is derived from the Cartier Santos-Dumont, designed for Alberto Santos-Dumont. This watch was originally conceived by a legend in the watch industry, Alain-Dominique Perrin, Cartier's CEO from 1975 to 1998. In 1978, under the leadership of Alain-Dominique Perrin, Cartier launched the gold-and-steel Santos. This watch had an integrated bracelet instead of the traditional leather strap. Cartier also added 18K gold to the case and bracelet to give the watch an extra touch of luxury. The model was hugely popular in the 1980s. In 1987, the Santos was completely redesigned, renamed, and relaunched as the Santos Galbée. The case lost its robust look and gained more curved, rounded lugs, allowing it to fit the wrist better than the previous Santos.

The Cartier Santos Galbée we have here is one that makes us very happy to come across again, and that we certainly don't see often! This is reference 119901, featuring a moonphase at the 6 o'clock position. Otherwise, the model is exactly what we're used to from a Santos Galbée.

At the 6 o'clock position is a blue-and-gold disc that tracks the current position of the moon in the sky. The watch also features an additional central hand with a crescent-shaped tip, known as a pointer date. This hand indicates the correct date on the outer scale of the dial, making the watch a little different from the regular Santos Galbée models.

In addition, the 29 x 41 mm case of this vintage Santos Galbée Moonphase and its 18K yellow gold bezel are still in perfect condition and razor-sharp, with all the original angles and lines still visible.

The watch has a classic white/cream-colored dial, as we are used to seeing on vintage Galbée models, which adds to its timeless appeal. In addition, this stunning vintage Cartier Santos Galbée 119901 features the signature blue hands and a blue cabochon on the crown. The gold-and-steel bracelet, which is still in perfect condition for its age, features the Cartier logo on the clasp. This makes the watch not only a timeless classic, but also a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Of course, we mustn't forget the quartz movement. It was officially checked in 2025, the battery and gaskets were replaced, and the watch was also tested for water resistance. As this Santos Galbée is also powered by a quartz movement, the time, date, and moon phase do not need to be adjusted if the watch is not worn for an extended period.

Another very unique feature is that this Cartier Santos Galbée 119901 comes with its original gold Cartier setting pin. A small button is built into the case below the crown, allowing the date to be adjusted by pressing it with the gold pin. The moon phase moves along with the date indication. It is also very unusual for the original gold setting pin to have been kept by the first owner.

This Dutch-delivered vintage Cartier Santos Galbée 119901 with moonphase is a true collector's set and is in perfect condition. The watch comes as a complete set with: outer box, box, papers, booklets, booklet and paper holder, Cartier hang tag, gold setting pin, battery service invoice, water resistance test receipt, and of course a two-year warranty on the movement.

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What you need to know:
- Cartier Santos Galbée with moonphase
- Reference 119901 / W20007C4
- Sharp case measuring 29 x 41 mm, in perfect condition
- Delivered with the original Cartier setting pin
- Delivered as a complete set
- 2-year warranty on the movement
- Free insured shipping within the EU

Cartier

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

Cartier is best known for its jewelry, but it also has a very rich history in watchmaking. In 1888, Cartier began making women's wristwatches. At the time, men were more likely to choose the traditional pocket watch. In 1904, Louis Cartier gave a watch to a good Brazilian friend, aviation pioneer Santos Dumont, to wear during flights, after he complained that using a pocket watch while flying was impractical. The Cartier Santos-Dumont was not only the first men's watch, but also the first true pilot's watch.

The Santos case was apparently inspired by a square pocket watch Cartier had made. The dial design heralds a shift toward the Art Deco style, which would define the watch industry in the 1920s and 1930s. To this day, Cartier's design is shaped by it. The case was designed to be robust, and the screws securing the crystal were meant to recall the legs of the new Eiffel Tower. The black Roman numerals also suggest the radial layout of Paris's streets and wide boulevards.