Cartier Santos Carree PM "Burgundy"

The Santos Carree PM carries Cartier's earliest watchmaking language into a compact steel case, its squared bezel and exposed screws tracing back to the very origins of the model. What sets this example apart is the dial, a deep red lacquer now drawn over with a fine spider craze that catches the eye before anything else. It is the original "Swiss only" version, a detail collectors actively seek out, here set within an unmistakable 24mm Santos geometry.

This particular example is driven by the automatic calibre 2670, keeping the experience fully mechanical despite the smaller size. The burgundy dial runs without indices, its matching hands left clean against the colour, with a cabochon crown at the flank. It is presented on a perfect and rare Godron steel bracelet that closes with a brushed stainless steel folding clasp bearing the Cartier crown mark, and comes complete with its original Cartier box.

The lacquer shows the spider craze, the natural evolution of vintage lacquer and very much part of this dial's character. A small scratch on the crystal has been noted, and a new crystal has been ordered to be fitted before shipping. At the case back is a perfectly visible serial number alongside the other factory engravings. The case retains its strong squared proportions, the bezel and exposed screws crisp and well defined.