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Cartier Santos Octagon - Two Tone White Roman Dial

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Details

Lets take a look at Paul Allen's Santos

When people think Cartier Santos, they picture the square case. This one takes a different turn. The Octagon was Cartier quietly experimenting in the late ’80s and early ’90s, blending the Santos DNA with a sharper, more architectural shape that never became mainstream, which is exactly why it’s interesting now.

Why we love it

The integrated bracelet is a huge part of the experience. It flows directly out of the case, keeping the profile thin and balanced, and the mix of brushed and polished finishing gives the watch life without pushing it into flashy territory. It sits flat, wears comfortably, and feels very intentional on the wrist.

Because these were produced in far smaller numbers and for a shorter period, most collectors have never handled one in person. That unfamiliarity is a big part of the appeal, it looks like a Cartier, but not one most have seen before.

Condition and originality

This example is fully functional and keeping great time. The bracelet is in excellent shape for its age and appears unpolished. The rear enamel is even in tact which is rare for this era of Cartier. The case and dial present in good overall cosmetic condition. All components are original, including the crown, dial, movement, and caseback.

A deep-cut Cartier

This isn’t a hype piece or a logo-forward watch. It’s a deeper reference that rewards someone who actually pays attention to Cartier’s design history. If you want a Santos that doesn’t look like everyone else’s, this Octagon is hard to beat.

Key Specs

Reference: 2965

Model: Santos Octagon

Year: 1988–1996

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 29x34mm

Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold

Bracelet: Two-Tone Godron (Fits 6.6in)

Dial: White Roman

Wrist Size: 6.6in

Metal: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold

SKU: 523

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!!!