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Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial
Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial
Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial
Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial
Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial

Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial

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Details

The Contoured Two-Tone Classic

The Santos Galbée Reference 187901 is the definitive 1990s evolution of Cartier’s most iconic silhouette. While the original 1904 design was a pioneer, the Galbée (French for "curved") update brought a necessary ergonomic flow to the square case, allowing it to hug the wrist properly. This execution in two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold is the exact aesthetic that defined luxury for a generation, balancing industrial hardware with a high-jewelry finish that remains a staple of the Cartier catalog today.

The Warmth of Ivory

The centerpiece of this reference is the ivory Roman dial, which offers a softer, more vintage-leaning depth than the stark clinical white versions. This creamy tone provides a sophisticated bridge between the 18k yellow gold bezel and the stainless steel case. The dial layout is perfectly balanced with signature blued-steel sword hands and a railway minute track, anchored by a symmetrical quickset date window at the 6 o'clock position. It is a timeless configuration that prioritizes legibility while leaning into a richer, more classic color palette.

Condition and Integrity

This 187901 is an honest, untouched survivor that remains in great cosmetic shape. The ivory dial and sapphire crystal are remarkably clean, showing none of the spotting or "foxing" that can occasionally plague vintage Cartier stone or painted dials. The integrated bracelet is structurally sound and retains the classic screw-head motif, fitting up to a 6.75-inch wrist. While the high-polish gold bezel and brushed steel surfaces show some visible, honest scratches from previous wear, the case lines remain sharp and haven't been rounded off by excessive polishing.

Performance Verified

Mechanically, the Cartier quartz movement is performing exactly as intended, offering the "set-it-and-forget-it" convenience that makes the Galbée such a reliable daily companion. It has passed our test bench for accuracy and long-term functional health. This is a verified, ready-to-wear icon that offers a direct link to Cartier’s modern golden era. It is a healthy and imposing piece of design history that commands attention without needing to be the loudest object in the room.
Key Specs
Reference: 187901
Model: Santos Galbée LM (Large Model)
Era: 1990s
Movement: Quartz (High-Accuracy Quickset)
Case Size: 29mm x 41mm
Bracelet: Two-Tone Integrated (Fits up to 6.75in)
Dial: Rare Grey with Blue Roman Numerals
Metal: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold
SKU: 186
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.
Danny's Vintage Watches Guarantee

At Danny's Vintage Watches, we rigorously authenticate and inspect every watch to guarantee both its authenticity and exceptional quality. Your complete satisfaction is our utmost priority. We are dedicated to guiding you to the ideal timepiece that meets your desires. Should you have any inquiries, our team is ready to provide swift and comprehensive assistance.

Our Guarantee:

  • Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
  • We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
  • The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
Questions?

To get in contact directly with the team send us a text for the quickest response! 917-887-1584

If you are interested in trading or selling your watch please click here, and fill the form
Payments and Shipping
Payments

We are committed to providing a secure and seamless payment experience. Our site features a built-in payment processor that accepts most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). U.S. residents also have the option to pay via Zelle. If you prefer to pay via bank wire, which will be slightly cheaper, please send a text to 917-887-1584 so we can reserve the item you wish to purchase.

Shipping

We ship via FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL, depending on the item's value and your location. All domestic shipments are fully insured.
Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial
Cartier Santos Galbée - Two Tone Ivory Dial Sale price$5,500.00 USD

What Our Clients Say About Us

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Dan Young
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
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
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
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!!!

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