Introduced in 1987, the Santos Galbée was Cartier's significant update to the original 1978 Santos de Cartier, designed to offer a more ergonomic wrist presence. This reference, W20025D6, features the distinctive "Galbée" case, whose subtle curvature was a direct response to the market's demand for greater comfort than its flatter predecessor. The watch retains all the essential Santos design codes, including the square bezel with screws and the classic Roman numeral dial.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 9 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: est. 1997 Contents: Watch and Box Genre: Neo-Vintage Dress Watch
Size: 29x41mm Thickness: approx. 8.5mm Lug Width: approx. 19mm
Case: Stainless steel Galbée case, rounded edges, brushed finish, light wear Bezel: Steel square screwed bezel, mirror finish, light wear Dial: Cream dial (light patina), applied Roman numerals, printed tracks Hands: Sword-shaped, blued steel hands
Crown: Steel octagonal crown, set with blue spinel cabochon, light wear Crystal: Sapphire, flat, light wear Bracelet: Stainless steel Galbée bracelet with signature screws, light wear Caseback: Steel solid screw-down caseback, light wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche