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Cartier Santos 2423 - Two Tone Guilloche Dial

Details

Congrats, You’ve Just One-Upped Every Other Santos In The Room

The Cartier Santos Galbee is a staple of horology, but this specific iteration from the early 2000s stands apart because of its dial. While most Santos models of this era opt for a flat white finish, this reference 2423 features a deep guilloche pattern that catches the light and adds a level of visual complexity usually reserved for higher-tier dress watches. It's a configuration that balances the tool-watch DNA of the Santos with a more refined, decorative execution.

A Bridge Between Eras

This reference represents an important era in Cartier’s history, maintaining the classic 27x24mm proportions that defined the line for decades while housing an automatic movement. The two-tone construction remains one of the most versatile ways to wear a Santos, as the 18k yellow gold bezel and screws provide a warmth that softens the industrial feel of the steel case.

Sharp Lines And A Clean Presentation

This example is in excellent overall condition, presenting with a sharp case and a clean crystal. The guilloche dial is flawless and has preserved its crisp texture perfectly, which is the primary draw of this specific unit. The two-tone bracelet is tight and maintains its original finish throughout. After passing through our test bench, the movement is running strong and is ready for daily wear.

The Elevated Daily Driver

This is the watch for someone who wants the most recognizable silhouette in watchmaking but doesn't want the exact same version everyone else is wearing. The guilloche dial elevates it from a standard piece to something that feels more intentional and collector-oriented. It's a sharp, balanced watch that works just as well with a suit as it does with a sweatshirt.

Key Specs

Reference: 2423

Model: Santos Galbée (Automatic)

Year: Early 2000s

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 24x35mm

Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold

Bracelet: Two-Tone 

Dial: Silver Guilloché

Wrist Size: Fits up to 5.25in

Metal: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold

SKU: 533

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!!!