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: Undated Contents: Box and Paper Genre: Neo-Vintage Dress Watch
Size: 29x41mm Thickness: approx. 9mm Lug Width: 19mm
Case: Steel Galbee case, satin brushed finish, mirrored bevels, light wear Bezel: Steel bezel, mirrored finish, secured with 8 steel screws, light wear Dial: Silver guilloché dial, applied roman numerals, printed tracks Hands: Steel sword hands, lumed
Crown: Original and functional steel cabochon crown, light wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Steel Galbée bracelet, light wear Caseback: Steel, solid, screw caseback Movement: Automatic Caliber: 120