Cartier Santos Carrée Massif "Black"

Massif is the name the market gives to the solid 18k yellow gold Cartier Santos Carrée, and this vintage reference 2960 from the 1980s pairs all that gold with a black dial. The 2960 is the automatic Santos Carrée with a date, built around a square case 29 mm across and driven by the calibre 077. Here both the case and the bracelet are 18k yellow gold, and at 29 mm this is the men's watch.

Almost every 2960 was delivered with a white dial and Roman numerals. This particular example is black, with no numerals at all. An unbroken black field carries the date window and gold hands, and framed by the yellow gold case it reads with sharp, graphic contrast. Known black-dial examples can be counted on one hand. They are thought to be Middle Eastern special orders, like the famous khanjar dials made for the Sultan of Oman.

The watch is in very good condition. Fine hairline scratches cross the centre panel of the case back, the ordinary trace of a gold watch worn against the wrist. The inner edge of the bezel around the dial shows light surface marks. The dial is presented clean and well-preserved, with the black field showing the graphic contrast that sets this 2960 apart from the white-dial production.

The watch is fitted on its 18k yellow gold bracelet and comes with its box.