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The Cartier Santos Ref. 2961 stands as one of the most recognisable designs in modern watchmaking. This 1991 example is a beautifully preserved, unpolished steel and 18k yellow gold model that captures everything collectors love about the early automatic Santos references: sharp case lines, elegant proportions and the unmistakable Cartier aesthetic.
The white Roman numeral dial with blued steel hands delivers perfect balance and legibility, while the two-tone case and bracelet offer that classic 1980s–1990s luxury feel that has become so desirable today. With full links, an unpolished case, and a complete set from new, this is exactly the sort of well-preserved, fully documented Cartier that serious collectors hunt for.
The watch comes as a complete set, including the original outer box with matching serial and model reference, Cartier red inner box, original Cartier paperwork dated 1991 from Watches of Switzerland Group, and all accompanying booklets.
Key Features
Ref. 2961 from 1991
Cartier automatic movement
Unpolished steel and 18k yellow gold case, 29 × 41mm
White Roman numeral dial with blued hands
Bi-colour steel and 18k yellow gold bracelet, full links
Comes with outer box, inner box, original paperwork, and booklets
A highly collectible neo-vintage Santos with complete provenance
A Word on Condition
The case remains unpolished, allowing the original factory lines, bevels and brushing to remain crisp. This is increasingly difficult to find on Santos models from this era, many of which have seen decades of polishing that soften the profile.
The bracelet retains excellent integrity with full links supplied and only light signs of careful wear. Dial and hands are clean, the Roman numerals are crisp, and the blued hands retain their rich colour. Overall, this is an exceptionally well-preserved early-90s Santos with outstanding originality and a complete set.
Why Buy This Watch
The Cartier Santos continues to rise sharply in collector interest, with early automatic two-tone references sitting at the perfect intersection of design pedigree, wearability, and collectability. This particular 2961 stands out for three reasons:
Unpolished Condition – sharp, honest, and increasingly rare.
Complete Set – full provenance from 1991 including WOSG paperwork.
Timeless Design – vintage Cartier elegance, yet sporty enough for daily wear.
Backed by the Watts On Watches 12-month warranty and our commitment to integrity, originality and precise quality control, this is a superb example of one of Cartier’s most important neo-vintage models.