1004
Cartier
Ref. 2960
Santos Carrée “75th Anniversary”
A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, red lacquered dial, bracelet and certificate, made to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Santos
Full-Cataloguing
- Anniversary Santos from the 80s with well-preserved iconic red lacquered dial
- Complete with original certificate and warranty card
- Offered without reserve
Created to commemorate a defining milestone in horological history, the Cartier Santos Carrée “75th Anniversary” reference 2960 was introduced in 1979 to celebrate 75 years since the debut of one of the world’s first purpose-built wristwatches. Reinterpreted into a sports watch with steel bracelet, this commemorative edition distinguishes itself through a striking departure from the traditional Santos aesthetic.
Most notably, the dial is rendered in a deep burgundy red—the iconic signature shade of Cartier—imbuing the timepiece with a bold and unmistakable presence. In a radical reinterpretation of the maison’s classic visual codes, the dial is entirely devoid of Roman numerals and a chemin de fer minute track, resulting in a clean, minimalist composition that emphasizes pure color, form and modernity. While most examples might have aged with spidered lacquer dial and commonly replaced during service, the present burgundy red dial remains original and well-preserved.
Further reinforcing its unique identity, the signature cabochon-set winding crown is adorned not with the customary blue sapphire, but with a matching red cabochon, harmonizing seamlessly with the dial and enhancing the watch’s monochromatic allure.
Both an important historical commemorative piece and a bold stylistic statement, the present Santos Carrée “75th Anniversary” is accompanied by its original certificate and warranty card, standing as an exceptionally rare and collectible reinterpretation of a timeless horological icon.
Cartier
FrenchWith the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.