Cartier Santos Octogonale Steel and Gold Automatic Mid Size Wrist Watch
About the Item
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Cartier Santos Large Steel Automatic Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2021 Cartier Santos Wrist Watch, 32 X 34 M.M. Stainless Steel Water Resistant 3 piece case. Automatic, Self Winding movement, Silver Satin Dial with Black Roman Numerals, swee...Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Cartier Santos Octagon Gold and Steel Ladies Self Winding Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1980s Cartier Santos Ladies Wrist Watch, 25 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with 18k Yellow Gold Bezel, Automatic, self winding movement,...Category
Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Steel
- Cartier Tank Americaine Mid Size White Gold and Diamond Automatic Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2010 Cartier Tank Americaine, 42 X 33 M.M. 18K White Gold Water Resistant case, Double Row of Round Brilliant cut Diamonds on the case sides totaling just over 2 Carats, Diamon...Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Cartier Cle De Cartier Mid Size Steel Self Winding Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2020 Cartier " Cle De Cartier" collection Wrist Watch, Reference 3856 35 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece case with Exhibition Glass back. 23 Jewel, ...Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Cartier Tank Francaise Mid Size Unisex Steel Quartz Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2015 Cartier Tank Francaise, Reference 2465 Mid Size Wrist Watch, 25 x 20 M.M. Stainless Steel Water Resistant Case. Quartz Movement, Silvered White Dial with Black Roman Numer...Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Cartier Must De Cartier 21 Mid Size Steel and Gold accent Quartz Wrist watchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1990 Cartier, Must De Cartier 21 Mid Size Wrist watch, 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece case with Gold accents and a Gold crown set with a sapphire. Quartz Movement, white Dial....Category
1990s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Cartier Santos Octagon 18k Gold and Steel Automatic Ladies Diamond Watch 2966By CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Santos Octagon 18K Gold and Steel Automatic Ladies Diamond Watch 2966. This watch has been customized very recently. It has never been ...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Steel
- Gold & Steel Chopard St Moritz Automatic Wrist WatchBy ChopardLocated in Antwerp, BE18 Kt Gold & Steel Chopard St Moritz Automatic Wrist Watch with Chopard Box Dial : White Movement : Mechanical With Automatic Winding Case & Strap : 18 KT Gold & Stainless SteelCategory
20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, Steel
- Cartier Santos Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Ladies WatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYBrand: Cartier Series: Santos Case Diameter: 24 mm Bracelet: 18k yellow gold & stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Off-white Dial The sale includes a Cartier watch box a...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold, Stainless Steel
- Cartier Santos Octagon Stainless Steel Automatic Ladies Diamond WatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Santos Octagon Stainless Steel Automatic Ladies Diamond Watch with Unique Dial 2965 This watch features an original Cartier Dial that h...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel
- Cartier Santos Octagon Automatic L 18k GoldBy CartierLocated in Ramat Gan, ILIn Mint Condition. Swiss Made, Cartier Santos In Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold. Solid Gold. Nice & Strong Bracelet. Solid Links. Automatic Movement. Nice Large Size Case, 31mm. G...Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
- Cartier Santos Octagon 29662 Gold/Steel Watch BoxedBy CartierLocated in Toronto, CABrand : Cartier Model: Santos Octagon Reference: 29662 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless Steel/Gold Measurements :30mm diameter (...Category
Early 2000s European Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.