Cartier Santos Galbée

Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier earned its reputation as the “jeweler of kings” by merging elegance with technical mastery. In 1904, Louis Cartier created the Santos for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont—one of the world’s first purpose-built wristwatches. The design became iconic, with its square bezel, exposed screws, and seamless blend of form and function.

This example is a Cartier Santos Galbée, ref. 187901, a model introduced in the 1980s as a refined evolution of the original Santos. The name Galbée, meaning “curved” in French, reflects its defining feature: a slimmer, gently arched case that hugs the wrist more ergonomically than earlier versions. Measuring 29mm, the case retains the signature squared shape but is more fluid and wearable, especially on smaller wrists or as a dress piece.

The two-tone steel and gold case and bracelet highlight Cartier’s skill in contrasting metals, while the white/cream dial, Roman numerals, and blue sword hands showcase classic Cartier codes. Inside ticks a quartz movement, prized for reliability and thinness—perfectly suited to the watch’s sleek profile.

In perfect condition, with crisp lines and untouched bevels, this Santos Galbée ref. 187901 embodies timeless elegance in a case that feels as good as it looks.