page transition image
Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Cartier Santos 2961 - Two-Tone White Roman Dial

Trade In
Details

One Of The First And Best

The Cartier Santos is not just another watch, it's arguably the first purpose-built wristwatch for men. Created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, its design was born from a need for function, not fashion. That original blueprint, with its square case and exposed screws, established a design language that has defined Cartier for over a century. This example comes from the 1980s, an era when Cartier adapted the Santos to the integrated bracelet, creating the definitive look for the modern reference.

The Definitive 80s Configuration

By pairing stainless steel with an 18k yellow gold bezel and bracelet screws, Cartier created a watch that was both sporty and luxurious. It was a direct response to the rise of the integrated steel sports watch but executed with a distinctly Parisian elegance. This reference 2961 captures that moment perfectly, combining the classic white Roman dial with the construction that made the model a phenomenon.

A Solid Daily Wearer

This example is in good overall condition, ready for daily use. The white Roman dial is clean, and the crystal is in good shape. The unpolished case and two-tone bracelet show wear that is honest and consistent for a watch of this era. It presents as a straightforward piece that has been worn as intended. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.

An Enduring Design Icon

The Santos works because its design is foundational. It was not created to follow a trend, it was created to solve a problem. That purity of purpose is why it remains relevant today. This two-tone version is for someone who appreciates both the historical significance of the model and the specific style of the 1980s. It's an automatic, easy-wearing classic that is instantly recognizable and always appropriate.

Key Specs

Reference: 2961

Model: Santos

Year: 1980s

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 29x41mm

Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold

Bracelet: Two-Tone Integrated

Dial: White with Roman Numerals

Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel

Bracelet Length: 6.25in

SKU: 660

History

The Santos is widely considered the first purpose-built wristwatch in history. Louis Cartier created it in 1904 for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviator who found it impossible to check a pocket watch while piloting his aircraft. The design that Cartier produced was a direct response to a functional problem: a square case with exposed screws on the bezel, a leather strap secured with a deployant buckle, and dimensions calibrated for the wrist rather than the pocket. What began as a bespoke commission for a single customer entered production in 1911 and never left it.

The Santos defined the design vocabulary of the Cartier sports watch and established the template that the brand has returned to repeatedly across its history. The exposed screws on the bezel, which were a purely functional element in the original, became one of the most recognized design signatures in watchmaking. The square case held its proportions across decades of production, resisting the trend toward larger and rounder case shapes that defined most of the industry in the latter half of the twentieth century. When integrated bracelet sports watches became the dominant form of luxury watchmaking in the 1970s, Cartier produced the Santos in a bracelet version that remains the definitive execution of the reference.

For collectors, the Santos represents the most historically significant reference that Cartier produced — and one of the most significant in the entire history of the wristwatch. The bracelet versions from the late 1970s and 1980s in steel or two-tone configurations are the most commonly available and offer strong design at accessible price points. Gold examples and those with unusual dial configurations carry higher premiums. Because the Santos has been in continuous production for over a century, there is a version appropriate for almost every collecting preference within the Cartier universe.

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!!!