Cartier Santos Galbée "Moonphase"

Cartier reshaped the Santos in 1987, curving its case to follow the line of the wrist and naming the result Galbée, French for curved. The vintage Cartier Santos Galbée reference 119901 adds a moonphase and a pointer date to that curved case, driven by a quartz movement. Its lineage runs back to 1904, when Louis Cartier made a square wristwatch for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and to the 1978 Santos de Cartier with its exposed screws and integrated bracelet.

This particular example belongs to that decade. At 29 mm wide it is the large size, and the men's reference. Steel and 18k yellow gold share the case and the integrated bracelet, eight exposed screws hold the fixed bezel, and the crown is set with a blue cabochon. The cream dial carries painted Roman numerals and matching hands, together with the moonphase and the track for the pointer date. It is offered as a full set with its original box and papers.

Light hairline scratches run across the brushed steel of the case and the bracelet links, and the case back shows minor surface marks, the honest traces of a watch that has been worn and enjoyed. The case shows minor signs of wear consistent with regular use. Professional polishing can be arranged free of charge upon request.

The watch is fitted on its integrated steel and 18k gold Santos bracelet, which closes on a brushed steel folding clasp.