Cartier Santos Galbeé ref. 2319 SIHH Slate Grey Dial with Box and Original Guarantee Paper “Limited edition”

The story of the Cartier Santos began in 1904, when Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The Santos subsequently became one of Cartier’s foundational designs and remains one of the most recognisable watches in the maison’s history.

In 1978, Cartier reinvented the Santos for a new generation, introducing the Santos Carrée with its distinctive exposed screws, integrated bracelet and, initially, steel-and-gold construction. It became an important part of Cartier’s move towards a more contemporary and sporty interpretation of luxury.

Then, in 1987, Cartier softened the design and introduced the Santos Galbée. “Galbée” refers to the curved shape of the case, with its more rounded contours and a bracelet designed to follow the wrist more closely.

The ref. 2319 belongs to this later Galbée generation, particularly associated with the 1990s and early 2000s. Measuring approximately 29 × 41 mm, it has a surprisingly strong presence on the wrist while retaining the elegant proportions that make the Galbée so appealing.

At SIHH 2002, Cartier introduced one of the most desirable iterations of the Santos: a limited edition of just 2,000 pieces. This special ref. 2319 features a stainless-steel case and bracelet paired with a distinctive slate-grey dial without a date display. Adding another unusual touch, the signature Roman numerals are filled with Super-LumiNova, giving this Santos a sportier and more contemporary character while retaining the unmistakable Cartier design language.

This example is in great condition, with a lovely case and bezel showing no heavy scratches or significant defects. The winding crown features a beautiful blue cabochon — always a detail we love to see on a Cartier.

The real star of the show, however, is the slate-grey soleil-finished dial, featuring bold white Roman numerals filled with Super-LumiNova, a hidden “Cartier” signature at 7 o’clock and elegant lumed hands. The semi-integrated bracelet is also in great condition and fits wrists up to 17 cm.

The watch comes complete with its iconic red Cartier box, red booklet holder, Cartier booklet and guarantee booklet documenting its original sale in Great Britain.

The watch and its automatic movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker and are ready for many more years of enjoyment.

The Galbée may have softened the Santos, but it certainly didn’t lose its character. A wonderfully cool neo-vintage Cartier and a particularly desirable limited edition for the discerning collector.

Get in touch and make this special Santos yours.

Specifications:

• Cartier Santos Galbée ref 2319 “Limited Edition”

• Serial serial 9467xxxCD dating to 2002

• Case measures 29 x 41mm

• Grey dial with lumed Roman numerals

• Lumed hands and blue cabochon crown

• Automatic movement

• Cartier integrated bracelet

• Cartier box , Booklet holder Cartier booklet , Guarantee booklet stating sale in Great Britain

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping