1990 Cartier Santos de Cartier Automatic – Mid Size

Name: 1990 Cartier Santos de Cartier Automatic - Mid Size
SKU: 2930
Availability: InStock

Original price was: £4,750.00.Current price is: £0.00.

includes our 24 month warranty

This Cartier Santos reference 1172961 represents a classic expression of the brand’s most enduring wristwatch design. Originating from Louis Cartier’s 1904 creation for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos became one of the very first purpose-built wristwatches, embodying both practicality and sophistication. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, when this reference was produced, Cartier had refined the model into an elegant yet modern interpretation of that original concept — retaining the iconic square bezel with exposed screws, Roman numeral dial, and harmonious proportions that had come to define the collection.

This watch features a beautifully balanced 28 × 29 mm case, crafted from stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold, with matching two-tone bracelet and bezel screws that highlight Cartier’s attention to detail. The integration of gold accents within the steel case and bracelet gives this Santos a warm, luxurious contrast while preserving its clean, architectural geometry. The blend of materials not only adds visual depth but also reflects the 1980s aesthetic of sophistication and versatility — a period when the Santos became synonymous with international style and success.

Inside, the watch is powered by the Cartier Calibre 077, an automatic movement based on the tried-and-tested ETA 2671. This self-winding calibre delivers smooth, reliable timekeeping and represents Cartier’s dedication to combining traditional Swiss mechanics with Parisian design elegance. Together, the precise movement, bi-metal construction, and timeless proportions make the Santos 1172961 a quintessential example of Cartier’s late-20th-century craftsmanship — a design that bridges the house’s early aviation heritage with its enduring reputation for technical and aesthetic excellence.