page transition image
Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Cartier Santos Dumont 2789 – 18K White Gold White Roman Dial

Details

The Original Aesthetic from modern perspective

The Santos-Dumont is the foundational design for the modern wrist watch. While the Santos line has branched into more industrial sport models, the Dumont remains the slim and elegant alternative that stays true to the 1904 original. This reference 2789 is executed in solid 18K white gold, providing a level of weight and luxury that is felt rather than seen. It is a watch for the collector who wants the prestige of a gold Cartier without the high-contrast look of yellow gold.

A Refined Monochromatic Configuration

The early 2000s era of Cartier is defined by pieces that balanced classic house codes with modern reliability. Finding a Dumont in white gold is significantly less common than the standard yellow gold or two-tone variations. This configuration offers a clean and monochromatic look that works perfectly with a formal wardrobe but is understated enough for daily use. It remains one of the most balanced silhouettes in the brand history, sitting incredibly thin on the wrist.

Very Good Condition With Original Hardware

This piece is in very good overall condition and has been well maintained. The 18K white gold case shows honest and minimal signs of wear, retaining its sharp profile and factory lines. The white Roman dial and the crystal are both perfect. This example is still paired with its original leather strap and the correct 18K white gold clasp, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of these specific references. Mechanically, the watch is running strong after passing our test bench.

The Understated High End Choice

This watch works because it is a hidden luxury piece. To the casual observer it is a classic Cartier, but to the collector, the white gold and the Dumont case shape signal something far more specialized. It makes sense for the person who wants a single watch that can handle any social setting while offering a level of rarity that sets it apart from the standard catalog. It is a mature and high-integrity example of a design icon.

 

Key Specs

Reference: 2789

Model: Santos-Dumont

Year: 2000s

Movement: High-Grade Cartier Quartz

Case Size: 30x39mm

Bezel: 18K White Gold (Fixed)

Strap: Original Cartier Leather with 18K WG Deployant Clasp

Dial: White Roman

Metal: 18K White Gold

SKU: 565

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!!!