Cartier Santos Galbée PM

The Santos Galbée arrived in 1987 as Cartier's softer, more wearable evolution of the original 1978 Santos, with rounded case sides and an integrated bracelet that flows naturally into the lugs. The PM (Petit Modèle) was conceived for the wrist that wanted the Santos silhouette in its most discreet proportions, and the two-tone steel and 18k gold execution remains one of the defining expressions of late-1980s and early-1990s Parisian taste. It reads as jewellery first and watch second, which is precisely the point.

This 24mm example pairs steel with 18k gold on the bezel screws and the centre links, in the unmistakable Santos vocabulary. The cream dial is calm and uncluttered, with painted Roman numerals and matching hands beneath a sapphire crystal. The crown is set with a blue sapphire cabochon, the small stone that finishes every Cartier dress reference. The watch comes on its original two-tone Santos bracelet with a folding Cartier clasp, and the quartz calibre 157 keeps the case flat and quiet on the wrist.

The Santos Galbée PM is offered in excellent condition, with the case, dial and bracelet showing no notable signs of wear. The original Cartier box is included.