WHY WE CURATED IT:
Often cited as an AP Royal Oak-inspired Cartier, but to jump to such a conclusion would be to completely miss the era’s larger cultural shifts in design and architecture that led to this creation. We’ve often discussed the importance of the 1970s Santos Carrée (“Square”): Cartier’s first watch constructed in steel and an evolution of the OG Santos (the world’s first men’s wristwatch and pilot watch). But by the late 70s/early 80s, everything (not just watches) was enveloped by a move to sculptural, geometric, experimental forms. This Octagon was just a natural expression of the era’s zeitgeist. Hardly surprising or forced for The Master of Shapes. Yet, all the classic Santos cues remain: exposed screws mimicking aircraft sheet metal rivets, Roman numerals, blued sword hands, and a spinel-topped cabochon crown. This shape has never been recreated by La Maison since, and as such, every iteration of this blip in time is treasured by collectors. Here in SM size with a beautiful cream dial and fantastic condition!
CONDITION:
9.5/10 with minimal signs of wear, mostly on the steel bracelet. The watch is sharp and looks to be unpolished with clear bevels and chamfers, deeply recessed screws and sharp edges. Crystal, dial, hands and cabochon are pristine. Caseback engravings remain clear. Bracelet has zero stretch. Movement in excellent health and quartz-accurate.
DIMENSIONS:
24.5mm width excl. crown
31.2mm length incl. lugs
6.5mm thick
12mm lug width
Visual dial width ~18mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm
CRYSTAL:
Sapphire
CASE:
Steel, 18K gold
WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches
STRAP:
Original Cartier bracelet with Double-C signed clasp, links fit up to 16cm wrists
CALIBRE:
Cartier Cal. 87.06, quartz 3-hander with hacking and quickset date
COMES WITH:
Watch and bracelet, original Cartier Santos box, user manuals
TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!
