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1983 Cartier Santos 2960 - Burgundy Dial

Details

A dial that steps away from traditional Santos models

This Santos comes from a moment in the early 1980s when Cartier was willing to push color inside a familiar shape. The burgundy dial immediately separates it from the standard silver and white executions. It adds depth and warmth without breaking the Santos identity.

The proportions stay classic. Compact, squared off, and easy to wear, this is still unmistakably a Santos. The dial simply shifts the tone from formal to expressive.

Why this configuration matters

Burgundy dials are not a common Santos option, especially in this era. Most examples from the early 1980s stayed conservative. This one did not. The result is a watch that feels period correct but far less predictable.

The stainless steel case and bracelet keep it grounded. That balance matters. The piece stays wearable and clean while still standing out.

What you need to know before wearing it

The bracelet is tight and wears well. The bezel, and case show scratches consistent with age. The dial is in good condition with no spidering. The crystal is clean and the clasp is original. The movement is running very well after passing by our test bench. 

Why this watch still holds up

This is an honest Santos with a very unique dial. It works for someone who wants a classic Cartier shape with more personality than the usual options while offering the luxury of displaying condition that allows it to be worn daily.

Every watch we offer has been authenticated and mechanically looked over to ensure immediate usability.

Bracelet extension, cutting, or sizing is available upon request through our professional in-house jewelers.

Key Specs

Reference: 2960

Model: Santos

Year: 1983

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 29 × 28mm

Bezel: Stainless steel

Bracelet: Stainless steel

Dial: Burgundy

Wrist Size: Fits 6.5–6.75 inches

History

In 1904, Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier that checking a pocket watch while piloting an aircraft was both impractical and dangerous. Cartier's response was to put a clock on Santos-Dumont's wrist — a square-cased watch with a leather strap and visible screws on the bezel, worn on the pilot's wrist where he could read it with both hands on the controls.

The result was the Santos, one of the first purpose-designed men's wristwatches in history. The exposed screws — which Cartier turned into an aesthetic signature rather than hiding — the square case with rounded corners, and the integrated bracelet are elements so well-conceived that they have remained essentially unchanged for 120 years.

References 1564 (Santos Galbee/Santos de Cartier), 2319, 2961 (Santos Carree), and the Santos Octagon all appear in our inventory across stainless, two-tone, and 18-karat yellow gold. Quartz and automatic movements both saw production. These are not derivative pieces — they are the original article, the watch that defined what a wristwatch could be.


What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!