My parents bought me a Santos Octagon stainless steel & gold for my 21st birthday..................in 1985, and it is still on my wrist every day, I even go to bed with it on. I have had it serviced every 5 years or so. Last year it had a major service, added a link, replaced the face which had gotton a bit discoloured, and had a new side knob as the stone was chipped. Still have all the paperwork and box. I love it and I am sure it will see me out.
Started collecting a year ago, found that I really like Casio, I wear an A168 a lot. Plan on getting a few more Casio Edifices and then some Oceanus’s. My grail is a Santos, so A168’s for daily, and Santos for some weekends and special occasions.
This was a fantastic presentation, Aleks. I've recently acquired a Caree from the mid 90's, which appears to have never been polished and honestly looks like it was never even worn. I searched for a long time to find one in this condition as the gold bezels are scratch magnets. My Caree is presented in two tone silver with gold bezel with a two tone silver and gold godron bracelet. The gold accent of the godron weaves in and out through the bracelet and I appreciate its uniqueness over the more common screw type bracelet. Very unusual but a great conversation starter for those in the know. Thanks again for the wonderful and informative video and I am now subscribed.
I have two Santos Rondes: one in steel, one in full yellow gold, both unpolished. They wear amazing. It's crazy how a vintage DateJust with a beat-to-hell bracelet sells for x3 a steel Ronde in excellent condition.
What a wonderful guide! This will be helpful for so many out there! And thanks so much for featuring my Santos Rotation Inversée, I am really humbled! Best, Raf
Taught a lot...had a look at a Caree, two-tone, on eBay for 1950€, and the case was almost gone, so much polishing, and the screws were kind of 'hanging out' of a very rounded bezel! So, great teaching!
The vintage santos market has definately reacted to your videos when looking at the current prices. They've seen a decent price increase in the recent year. You've done a good job educating the market on these gems 😉
I love your video! It’s so informative and answers so many questions. I’m not a watch hound but I’m an obsessed fan of the Cartier Santos de Cartier Galbee. I also am someone who wears one everyday and with a very limited budget so mine are vintage and very reasonably priced. And I also don’t care about paperwork and boxes because my kids can worry about selling or wearing them after I’m dead. 🤣❤️
Good you’re talking about the differences; these two models are often confused. - A few points: The Galbée has a similar case back to the Carrée shown here when automatic. The automatic also has a guilloché dial. The second generation Galbée has a hidden clasp. -The correct box in good condition is hard to get for £50. I’ve tried the Octagon - compared to the square ones it wears much smaller as it is more of a round watch. - Quite sure that Time by Raf Santos is a piece unique.
Great video and informative video! A Santos has always been my grail and an aspiration piece since I'm still a student. A two toned Galbee white face no date or a Galbee two-toned Moonphase would be my pick.. 😍
Good video, well researched and informative past the usual surface level. Did actually purchase a 2961 with 2nd Gen bracelet in Feb and enjoying the design immensely. Now if I just had the funds for the all gold variant ;P
Hey there! Just wondering how you know what gen your bracelet is? I know there's at least 3 variants, but been unable to work out what era they are. Cheers
If it has screws in the links rather than the pins on the backside of the link it is 3rd gen 👍🏼 not sure if there is any major diferences between the 1st/2nd except one has numbers (1,2,3…) and so on on the links
@@jays8538 1st gen has numbers on the links and can be taken apart. 2nd gen can't be taken apart though much more solid construction. If not swapped around, the 2nd gen clasp is a true rectangle, without the little ledge to put your finger under.
Wo wo wo, amazing video. I’m hunting for a carree, and I’m determined to get one this year. This is a very helpful, informative video. Thank you for making this video. And I’m glad that I found you!
the Carree is more beautiful and will increase in value sooner because it came onto the market earlier than the Galbee and because the Carree has an automatic movement. I have the Santos Carree in steel/gold with Godron bracelet which is even more rare than the standard strap with screws and it is more special. I also have Rolex but Cartier Santos is much more special and elegant..
Have been watching and rewatching this video in my search for a Santos, and finally settled on 33mm Santos Ronde which should fit my 16cm wrist just fine. I'm sure it won't be the last Santos I get, such a great design in all it's iterations (well except the huge ones). Thanks Aleks!
Bonjour Aleks, Should I have Cartier polish out all the scratches gathered in the last 34 years I have own this watch? so many thanks for your great videos, super informative! A Santos Carrée was gifted to me new in 1988. I have much enjoyed it these 34 years. As I hadn’t worn it 10 years I am now gifting it to my 30 year old son. Brought it to Cartier, Place Vendôme, asking them to do a refurbish, polish out as much of the scratches as possible and repair as needed any issues. AsI as know only issue was automatic movement now only last about 6-8hrs. Sadly we got back and they had not polished out anything and didn’t write any detail of anything they fixed/refurbished, a complete waist of all our times so far. Before I reach back out to them letting know of this very poor level of service, reaching out to you.
Hi Jan, if the watch is unpolished (not polished since purchase) I wouldnt. It adds character and the factory finish is hard to restore. Every scratch is a memory 😉 Sad to hear about the experience, I’ve only had good experience with Cartier customer service this far.
This is an excellent video! Very insightful. Love to know what you think of a Carree Octagon with burgundy dial (2966) and how much do you think it will cost?
Thanks for such an informative video! I am now on the hunt for an unpolished Carree! Also, is it possible to receive info on the bracelets you are wearing?
Wow, great video! Very informative. I'm interested in collecting a Santos produced from the same years as me or my sister, which are 1993 and 1990 respectively. After doing some research, I found that only Galbée quartz version was manufactured during these years. I wanted to ask if there are Carree or Galbée automatic versions produced in 1993 or 1990? Thanks
Very useful video for a Galbée 2319 hunter like me, thanks. Q: can you remove the screws on the bezel & bracelet of a Santos, or are they merely decorative?
Hello. Do you have any advice on avoiding stretched bracelets on the galbee? I'm not finding much as I research, but think someone should talk about it as they are difficult and expensive to replace and I don't believe they are repairable.
2.5 k without paper? I inherited it from my late dad, I wonder how much he'd paid in 1984? 86? I can only vaguely remember, that we went to the Cartier Boutique in Düsseldorf, Germany at the famed Königsallee 1-3, can you maybe tell me how much it costs then? I will never sell it, if you want to know - good condition with a couple of wear marks, there's a little bit of patina on the dial, but stll run like bought.
Hi Aleks, thank you for the guide. I recently bought a 2960 in full gold, and the screws are brushed. Does it mean it's been polished? Are there any models with brushed screws?
Hi! Thanks for watching. Yes the screws should have polished and not finished. Thats how they left the factory. So seems like someone has polished it. But don’t let that ruin anything. Enjoy a great watch!
Hi Alex, I am looking for a pre owned Automatic Santos calbee, twin tone model. Appreciate should you have any interested fan willing to dispose. Thank you v much.
Hello I just got my 2961 a few days ago with box and paper from the first owner which bought it 1986. What i noticed right at the beginning is that the sapphire of my santos is rather dark and tends to go greenish / dark blue when you shine it with light. Do you know till which year cartier used real sapphires in the reference 2961 and not synthetic ones?As mentioned before my sapphire is rather green or a very strong dark blue instead of the usual blue of the synthetic sapphires. Unfortunately, there is almost no information on the internet about when real sapphires were used.
Hej Aleks! Bra video som alltid! Jag undrar lite gällande storlekar, när du refererar till herrstorlekar, vilka tänker du på då? Funkar en 23,5 x 23,5 (34,5) mm till herr? Jag har en vintage Omega som mäter 35 som jag trivs med.
There are many out there to be honest, I’d try to search for it across many platforms and grab one in good condition. Sometimes very nice examples surface on Chrono24 for example or eBay
Hi! Thanks for the video. I was wondering how often do you get your automatic santos checked at Cartier? How does all of that work? Im considering buying the automatic over the quartz, but i need more infos about the maintenance and price. Thanks again!
Only if it starts to run way too fast or slow or if the power reserve is shitty. It is a basic ETA movement powering it so it can be fixed by any decent watchmaker :)
I love the two tone because I’m kind of girly and like to wear gold with silver jewelry together. Mixing metals! Plus I have the same, except different color dial in 2 sizes….small size ( elegant) and mid size ( rugged)
Hey, great video. I have a question about size. I'm looking online, and it seems to me there are small, medium, and large versions. I'm looking at the carree and octagonal models. Could you let me know if I'm seeing it wrong, or if there are different options, how to spot the right one (I'm interested in the M-L size or the ones you are showing in the video) since most descriptions don't mention the case size and are usually described as women's watches. I'm guessing you would already mention different case sizes, but just double-checking. Thank you!
Thanks! For the vintage ones there are only small (24mm) or large (29mm). Ladies versions don't have date windows. Thats for the Carrée. For the Octagonal the large ones are 30mm, also here with a date window. Sometimes, now more seldom than before, the large models are described as ladies. Hope this clear things up!
Bought my wife a solarbeat and now want something for myself.I love the 2 tone Dumont but dont know enough to confidently buy second hand.In Australia to so just cant pop into an auction house.I think i need a buyers advocate or buying service??thoughts?I wish i could afford the platinum and diamond one too!Does Cartier have sales or clearances?
Check with your local AD or call around. If it is the new two-tone Dumont. Cartier Boutique’s don’t offer neither sales nor discounts. So if you want something new AD’s/multibrand retailers usually can offer a better deal
End of 80’s yes. When Galbée was introduced I believe. You can’t really tell what year. Cartier serial numbers is a mystery. Many of us have tried to make some sense out of it but it is very difficult. You can see if its early or late on the bracelet and maybe with enough data which there isnt about the serials and warranty cards you could try to figure out serials and years like Rolex. Cartier don’t even know when the watch was produced as far as I know.
Hi i've been looking at two tone cartier santos carée's. Which models are supposed to have hidden butterfly clasp and which have the clasp with the cartier logo on it? Did one come before the other? Is it by the year of production? any info would be great. Amazing video, super helpful btw
Both of my vintage 2000 Galbee have the tang clasp with logo. Does that mean that the butterfly hidden closure w screws bracelets are all replacement bands? Or did Cartier use those as factory too?
I have a question. I bought a vintage (post 1987) Cartier Santos de Cartier Galbee ( 29 x41mm) online for a VERY good price ( I obsessively look all of the time) and it's arriving soon. It appears to be in very good original condition, as to your guide, never polished bracelet and life lived scratches on the gold bezel. Original tang clasp logo bracelet etc. What wasn't advertised and I neglected to see in the photos, until I zoomed in very closely on the sapphire crown AFTER buying it is that the crown is chipped on its side. This to me is a doomed crown because I've never met a jewell crown I couldn't destroy in daily wear use within 2 months. I ruined my current two tone 24mm Santos crown. I'm trying to decide as to if I should return it ( it's fully returnable) because of this or if replacing it (locally, NOT Cartier $$$$) is what you'd consider an "easy fix" and it's worth keeping the watch. I've seen Cartier crowns for sale and I think a local horologist could replace it? Alek, I'd really appreciate your opinion on this.
hello aleks!! what do you think of buying santos carree 2961 as an investment piece to hold value? im a first timer, love the design but want something that has resale value too
I don’t do financial advice :) If you like the watch, buy it. If it holds value/appreciates in value - good for you and see it like a bonus. If it doesn’t, maybe you did enjoy it while you wore it at least ✌🏼
What do you think about the Cartier Santos Galbee jumbo XL two-tone, model 2823, Ref. W20099C4 ? I've found this watch with a warranty book, year of production is 2011, looking great and unpolished for around 4,100 Euros. I would appreciate a quick respond because tomorrow is my last chance of getting this piece.
Hey Aleks! My Santos just got delivered today, and I'm really happy with it! However, these's one thing. Every time I set the watch, the entire dial moves and sets unevenly. Is this normal, or is going to be an expensive fix? I'm still within the 14-day return period, and want to know if it's best to just return the watch or not.
I was wondering what kind of papers are you talking about that come with the watch? I just bought my Santos a few days ago, and I'm assuming you mean the receipt and the warranty card with the serial number on it? And what other papers? Also I heard you can just have them replace the bezel for a completely new one for a fee, do you know if that's true?
Not necessarily the receipt of purchase, but the warranty card and the booklet/manual. Yes they can change it but if you have the two-tone model it is very expensive
Does any one knows what is the difference between Cartier Santos 2961 vs 1172961? The only difference that I saw is the number in the back case of the watch.
What about later example, after 1990? Also, does it always have to be 2961xxxx for serial number? Would there ever be examples where is can be different
@THISISKENNYC no Carrees produced in the 90’s. Maybe sold then but not produced since Galbée was introduced. Not always 2961 could be other numbers as well
@@AleksWatches Makes sense. As someone who would be buying a watch like a vintage Santos from auction for the first time, do you have any recommendation about which auction house is easiest to work with, and do you have any tips about purchasing watches at auction? This might actually be a good video if you have a lot of experience doing this.
The Cartier Santos is an iconic beautiful but I would not buy one. Why? Because the Santos is extremely scratch prone, especially on the high polished bezel. Cartier knows about this flaw and refuses to fix it, meanwhile, RUclipsrs keep making excuses for the flawed and subpar metal casing. Silver colored watches, such as stainless steel and titanium, are the defacto metal of choice. Why, in 2024, aren't manufacturers making "scratch-proof" watches? There are PVD coatings and nomenclatures like 316L steel, super titanium, TinSkin 3.0, and platinum encasements. A company as profitable and well funded as Cartier has no excuse for making watches that are scratch prone. Invest a little R&D and fix this problem. It's not just a Cartier problem, but most luxury watchmakers don't put in the effort to ensure their watches are "scratch-proof" or as scratch resistant as possible. It's a shame. For this reason alone I would never buy a Cartier Santos. Profits above all. So what are the most scratch resistant metals? Tegiment steel and UltraHex titanium.
@@AleksWatches awesome such a timely video to find. Heading to a vintage watch store to take a look soon can’t wait to try it on. For me it’s the one watch collection piece I’m looking for. So timeless and I have a feeling size is going to perfect as I have very small wrists and everything try in just always looks large, even if it’s considered a “smaller Watch”.
1:10 I mean ffs, from this viewpoint neither is more rounded/square. why do ppl keep saying this? if edges and the profile is more rounded in the Galbee then show that, but looking head on they're almost identical
Well sir, the first tell is obviously the date at 3 vs 6 o'clock, further down the video I show side shots. Galbée has a flat caseback and is more curved while the Carrée has a caseback that protrudes a bit cause of the automatic movement.
Mate where do you find a carree und good condition for that price? I‘m looking for a 2961 as unpolished as possible for a year now and i just can’t find one below 5,5k which is just too much in my opinion..
My parents bought me a Santos Octagon stainless steel & gold for my 21st birthday..................in 1985, and it is still on my wrist every day, I even go to bed with it on. I have had it serviced every 5 years or so. Last year it had a major service, added a link, replaced the face which had gotton a bit discoloured, and had a new side knob as the stone was chipped. Still have all the paperwork and box. I love it and I am sure it will see me out.
Started collecting a year ago, found that I really like Casio, I wear an A168 a lot. Plan on getting a few more Casio Edifices and then some Oceanus’s. My grail is a Santos, so A168’s for daily, and Santos for some weekends and special occasions.
This was a fantastic presentation, Aleks. I've recently acquired a Caree from the mid 90's, which appears to have never been polished and honestly looks like it was never even worn. I searched for a long time to find one in this condition as the gold bezels are scratch magnets. My Caree is presented in two tone silver with gold bezel with a two tone silver and gold godron bracelet. The gold accent of the godron weaves in and out through the bracelet and I appreciate its uniqueness over the more common screw type bracelet. Very unusual but a great conversation starter for those in the know. Thanks again for the wonderful and informative video and I am now subscribed.
Thanks a lot! Congrats on your latest acquisition, godron bracelet is surely a conversation starter :) Enjoy.
I thought that Alek said in his video that after 1987 they were all Galbee. The Caree were pre-1978 to 1987. ???
I have two Santos Rondes: one in steel, one in full yellow gold, both unpolished. They wear amazing. It's crazy how a vintage DateJust with a beat-to-hell bracelet sells for x3 a steel Ronde in excellent condition.
Thats awesome! A lot of bang for the buck. Enjoy your Rondes 🙌🏼
What a wonderful guide! This will be helpful for so many out there!
And thanks so much for featuring my Santos Rotation Inversée, I am really humbled!
Best,
Raf
Thank you Raf! Pleasure was all mine.
Taught a lot...had a look at a Caree, two-tone, on eBay for 1950€, and the case was almost gone, so much polishing, and the screws were kind of 'hanging out' of a very rounded bezel! So, great teaching!
The vintage santos market has definately reacted to your videos when looking at the current prices. They've seen a decent price increase in the recent year. You've done a good job educating the market on these gems 😉
The Santos prices have been steadily going up since I purchased my first one for 1.5k euro in 2018 😂 Doubt my videos has anything to do with that tbh
I love your video! It’s so informative and answers so many questions.
I’m not a watch hound but I’m an obsessed fan of the Cartier Santos de Cartier Galbee.
I also am someone who wears one everyday and with a very limited budget so mine are vintage and very reasonably priced.
And I also don’t care about paperwork and boxes because my kids can worry about selling or wearing them after I’m dead. 🤣❤️
Thank you!
J’ai ce modèle depuis une vingtaine d’années et je suis ravie ❤
Good you’re talking about the differences; these two models are often confused. - A few points: The Galbée has a similar case back to the Carrée shown here when automatic. The automatic also has a guilloché dial. The second generation Galbée has a hidden clasp. -The correct box in good condition is hard to get for £50. I’ve tried the Octagon - compared to the square ones it wears much smaller as it is more of a round watch. - Quite sure that Time by Raf Santos is a piece unique.
I thought Alek said in a comment to someone else that the butterfly clasp bracelet with rivets was a Cartier factory service replacement band.
Very very informative video Aleks!!! Thanks for looking out for the people who are looking to get their first vintage Santos.
Thanks a lot! 🙏🏼
I posted a link to this video in a Cartier group that I'm a part of and its been a massive hit 👍🏼
Wow! Thanks. Appreciate it 🙏🏼
Wow that last Santos I call it Santos Ghost! Stunning!
Great video and informative video! A Santos has always been my grail and an aspiration piece since I'm still a student. A two toned Galbee white face no date or a Galbee two-toned Moonphase would be my pick.. 😍
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Good video, well researched and informative past the usual surface level.
Did actually purchase a 2961 with 2nd Gen bracelet in Feb and enjoying the design immensely. Now if I just had the funds for the all gold variant ;P
Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoy your Santos and hope you'll get that full gold one soon :)
Hey there! Just wondering how you know what gen your bracelet is? I know there's at least 3 variants, but been unable to work out what era they are. Cheers
If it has screws in the links rather than the pins on the backside of the link it is 3rd gen 👍🏼 not sure if there is any major diferences between the 1st/2nd except one has numbers (1,2,3…) and so on on the links
@@jays8538 1st gen has numbers on the links and can be taken apart. 2nd gen can't be taken apart though much more solid construction. If not swapped around, the 2nd gen clasp is a true rectangle, without the little ledge to put your finger under.
Very Nice video ! I found all the informations i was looking for. Thank you for your work. You deserve more views in my opinion
Thanks Mathis, appreciate it! 🙏🏼
Cartier watches is the GOD Tier of all watches. I have a compete set vintage c1984 Carree #2961. Love it. First time viewer- OUTSTANGING vid. TYVM...
Thank you!
Amazing content. Wish youtubers would talk about polishing more often - so many bad polish jobs out there
Thanks alot! 🙌🏼
Wo wo wo, amazing video. I’m hunting for a carree, and I’m determined to get one this year. This is a very helpful, informative video. Thank you for making this video. And I’m glad that I found you!
Thanks for the kind words! Good luck with the hunt 🙏🏼
Nice video bro, love my first gen 🔥
Thanks brother! Appreciate it. Your Carree is sharp 🔪
Great video! Very helpful!!! I’m on the hunt for a good condition Carree and thank you for highlighting the items to look out for!
the Carree is more beautiful and will increase in value sooner because it came onto the market earlier than the Galbee and because the Carree has an automatic movement. I have the Santos Carree in steel/gold with Godron bracelet which is even more rare than the standard strap with screws and it is more special. I also have Rolex but Cartier Santos is much more special and elegant..
Been considering buying one, thanks!
Brilliant video , saved. 🙌
Appreciate it!
Best presentation on the Santos I have seen
Thanks a lot!
Cool, i have a santos galbee, the 20 years ceremony version of santos Galbee with gold hands and numbers
i love it
Nice one!
Very informative video, thank you. Now I have the urge to buy a Santos :D
Thank you for watching! 🙏🏼
Great and Educational review Alex
Glad to subscribe.
Thank you!
Thank you for the tremendous knowledge! Great video.
Thank you!
Very nice intro to the line.
Have been watching and rewatching this video in my search for a Santos, and finally settled on 33mm Santos Ronde which should fit my 16cm wrist just fine. I'm sure it won't be the last Santos I get, such a great design in all it's iterations (well except the huge ones). Thanks Aleks!
Congratulations! The Ronde is quite overlooked in general. But it is a cool design. Enjoy! 🙏🏼
Very informative and knowledgeable video! Great job!
Thank you!
Bonjour Aleks, Should I have Cartier polish out all the scratches gathered in the last 34 years I have own this watch? so many thanks for your great videos, super informative! A Santos Carrée was gifted to me new in 1988. I have much enjoyed it these 34 years. As I hadn’t worn it 10 years I am now gifting it to my 30 year old son. Brought it to Cartier, Place Vendôme, asking them to do a refurbish, polish out as much of the scratches as possible and repair as needed any issues. AsI as know only issue was automatic movement now only last about 6-8hrs. Sadly we got back and they had not polished out anything and didn’t write any detail of anything they fixed/refurbished, a complete waist of all our times so far. Before I reach back out to them letting know of this very poor level of service, reaching out to you.
Hi Jan, if the watch is unpolished (not polished since purchase) I wouldnt. It adds character and the factory finish is hard to restore. Every scratch is a memory 😉
Sad to hear about the experience, I’ve only had good experience with Cartier customer service this far.
Cartier Santos Galbée❤❤❤
This is an excellent video! Very insightful. Love to know what you think of a Carree Octagon with burgundy dial (2966) and how much do you think it will cost?
Thank you! I like em. But they wear much smaller 👍🏼
Thanks and very awesome watch
Thank you!
Aleks, very very nice n valuable video for Santos education. Question: why the screw heads on the bracelet and bezel are not aligned ?
Thanks! Well in the bezel it is because they are screws. AP use nuts and bolts for instance.
This is a great video. Are there dealers you like?
This is perfect! Thanks a lot
I prefer to pay more and get it from Bucherer approved pre owned or Watchfinder, the latter being owned by Richemont which owns Cartier
Higher prices and generally much worse objects in terms of condition compared to ”normal” dealers..
That you very much!!!
Thanks for such an informative video! I am now on the hunt for an unpolished Carree! Also, is it possible to receive info on the bracelets you are wearing?
Glad you liked it! One is from All Blues and the other one is a tennis bracelet with stretch from Rare Jewelry
Great video!
Thanks!
Galbée 1566❤❤❤
Illuminating
Wow, great video! Very informative.
I'm interested in collecting a Santos produced from the same years as me or my sister, which are 1993 and 1990 respectively.
After doing some research, I found that only Galbée quartz version was manufactured during these years. I wanted to ask if there are Carree or Galbée automatic versions produced in 1993 or 1990?
Thanks
Galbée yes, Carrée no.
Thanks btw :)
Thank you!
Thank you!
Very useful video for a Galbée 2319 hunter like me, thanks. Q: can you remove the screws on the bezel & bracelet of a Santos, or are they merely decorative?
Glad it could help!
Its not screws rather its rivets. Decorative
Great video. With the 2960 Carree, what is the movement caliber?
Basic ladies ETA movement
Hey!!! Great video
Thank you!
thanks
Thank you for this very informative video. Can i inquire if caree 2960 bezel is whitegold? Thank you
For steel versions it is steel. There are yellow gold versions with white gold bezel
Hello. Do you have any advice on avoiding stretched bracelets on the galbee? I'm not finding much as I research, but think someone should talk about it as they are difficult and expensive to replace and I don't believe they are repairable.
Don’t wear it loose and keep it clean
Do you know anything about butterfly clasps vs the "C" clasps? What are the key differences?
Do you meen the ones with hidden clasp vs the one with the Cartier logo on the buckle?
2.5 k without paper? I inherited it from my late dad, I wonder how much he'd paid in 1984? 86? I can only vaguely remember, that we went to the Cartier Boutique in Düsseldorf, Germany at the famed Königsallee 1-3, can you maybe tell me how much it costs then?
I will never sell it, if you want to know - good condition with a couple of wear marks, there's a little bit of patina on the dial, but stll run like bought.
Hi Aleks, thank you for the guide. I recently bought a 2960 in full gold, and the screws are brushed. Does it mean it's been polished? Are there any models with brushed screws?
Hi!
Thanks for watching. Yes the screws should have polished and not finished. Thats how they left the factory. So seems like someone has polished it. But don’t let that ruin anything. Enjoy a great watch!
Hi Alex, I am looking for a pre owned Automatic Santos calbee, twin tone model. Appreciate should you have any interested fan willing to dispose. Thank you v much.
Hello I just got my 2961 a few days ago with box and paper from the first owner which bought it 1986. What i noticed right at the beginning is that the sapphire of my santos is rather dark and tends to go greenish / dark blue when you shine it with light. Do you know till which year cartier used real sapphires in the reference 2961 and not synthetic ones?As mentioned before my sapphire is rather green or a very strong dark blue instead of the usual blue of the synthetic sapphires. Unfortunately, there is almost no information on the internet about when real sapphires were used.
Only in precious metal models afaik
Hello, may you speak about crazing (hairline cracks) in terms of how common it is for the 2961? Thank you
On the dial? Very common
@@AleksWatches thank you!
Hej Aleks!
Bra video som alltid!
Jag undrar lite gällande storlekar, när du refererar till herrstorlekar, vilka tänker du på då? Funkar en 23,5 x 23,5 (34,5) mm till herr? Jag har en vintage Omega som mäter 35 som jag trivs med.
Hej! Stort tack.
Jag skulle säga att den större storleken bär som ca 34mm. Men allt beror på vad man har för preferens!
@@AleksWatches tack för svaret!
Den större, den som ligger på 29 mm?
Blir nog för litet med 23,5 då.
Korrekt!
any recommendations for good dealers? after watching this and the gold santos video i want one :)
There are many out there to be honest, I’d try to search for it across many platforms and grab one in good condition. Sometimes very nice examples surface on Chrono24 for example or eBay
Hi! Thanks for the video. I was wondering how often do you get your automatic santos checked at Cartier? How does all of that work? Im considering buying the automatic over the quartz, but i need more infos about the maintenance and price. Thanks again!
Only if it starts to run way too fast or slow or if the power reserve is shitty. It is a basic ETA movement powering it so it can be fixed by any decent watchmaker :)
Would like to know other ppl opinion whether should I get twotone or steel since I love both lol
I love the two tone because I’m kind of girly and like to wear gold with silver jewelry together.
Mixing metals!
Plus I have the same, except different color dial in 2 sizes….small size ( elegant) and mid size ( rugged)
Great video!
do you recommend any EU auction houses? :)
Thanks! There are so many out there, use one of the auction search sites such as The Saleroom for example
@@AleksWatches Thanks!
You mentioned the price estimate for the two tone and the stainless steel - what do you think the 18k yellow gold Carree is going for (biggest size)?
Depends a bit of course but around 11-12k
The biggest size of the Galbee and Carree is 29mm?
Yes!
@@AleksWatches do you think it will look too small on a 7inch wrist?
No, my wrist is 6.5 inches for reference.
Kul!
Hey, great video. I have a question about size. I'm looking online, and it seems to me there are small, medium, and large versions. I'm looking at the carree and octagonal models. Could you let me know if I'm seeing it wrong, or if there are different options, how to spot the right one (I'm interested in the M-L size or the ones you are showing in the video) since most descriptions don't mention the case size and are usually described as women's watches. I'm guessing you would already mention different case sizes, but just double-checking. Thank you!
Thanks! For the vintage ones there are only small (24mm) or large (29mm). Ladies versions don't have date windows. Thats for the Carrée. For the Octagonal the large ones are 30mm, also here with a date window. Sometimes, now more seldom than before, the large models are described as ladies. Hope this clear things up!
@@AleksWatches thank you for a swift reply! So basically all versions that have a date window are a good tale tale sing of the right size?
@ariborn yes sir
Bought my wife a solarbeat and now want something for myself.I love the 2 tone Dumont but dont know enough to confidently buy second hand.In Australia to so just cant pop into an auction house.I think i need a buyers advocate or buying service??thoughts?I wish i could afford the platinum and diamond one too!Does Cartier have sales or clearances?
Check with your local AD or call around. If it is the new two-tone Dumont.
Cartier Boutique’s don’t offer neither sales nor discounts. So if you want something new AD’s/multibrand retailers usually can offer a better deal
Did the Carree end in 1989 or was it in production later? How can you tell what year a preowned Santos was made?
End of 80’s yes. When Galbée was introduced I believe. You can’t really tell what year. Cartier serial numbers is a mystery. Many of us have tried to make some sense out of it but it is very difficult. You can see if its early or late on the bracelet and maybe with enough data which there isnt about the serials and warranty cards you could try to figure out serials and years like Rolex. Cartier don’t even know when the watch was produced as far as I know.
Cartier are closed lipped for sure but they did tell me that 1987 was the overhaul to Galbee.
If I got good info that I’d.
Hi i've been looking at two tone cartier santos carée's. Which models are supposed to have hidden butterfly clasp and which have the clasp with the cartier logo on it? Did one come before the other? Is it by the year of production? any info would be great. Amazing video, super helpful btw
Thanks! Hidden clasp with screws in the links = service/replacement bracelets
@@AleksWatches Ok, good to know!. Thanks for the reply
Both of my vintage 2000 Galbee have the tang clasp with logo.
Does that mean that the butterfly hidden closure w screws bracelets are all replacement bands?
Or did Cartier use those as factory too?
I have a question. I bought a vintage (post 1987) Cartier Santos de Cartier Galbee ( 29 x41mm) online for a VERY good price ( I obsessively look all of the time) and it's arriving soon.
It appears to be in very good original condition, as to your guide, never polished bracelet and life lived scratches on the gold bezel. Original tang clasp logo bracelet etc.
What wasn't advertised and I neglected to see in the photos, until I zoomed in very closely on the sapphire crown AFTER buying it is that the crown is chipped on its side.
This to me is a doomed crown because I've never met a jewell crown I couldn't destroy in daily wear use within 2 months. I ruined my current two tone 24mm Santos crown.
I'm trying to decide as to if I should return it ( it's fully returnable) because of this or if replacing it (locally, NOT Cartier $$$$) is what you'd consider an "easy fix" and it's worth keeping the watch.
I've seen Cartier crowns for sale and I think a local horologist could replace it?
Alek, I'd really appreciate your opinion on this.
Crowns are cheap :) don’t stress it, if rest of the watch is nice I’d keep it
@@AleksWatches You da man! xo
hello aleks!! what do you think of buying santos carree 2961 as an investment piece to hold value? im a first timer, love the design but want something that has resale value too
I don’t do financial advice :)
If you like the watch, buy it. If it holds value/appreciates in value - good for you and see it like a bonus. If it doesn’t, maybe you did enjoy it while you wore it at least ✌🏼
What do you think about the Cartier Santos Galbee jumbo XL two-tone, model 2823, Ref. W20099C4 ? I've found this watch with a warranty book, year of production is 2011, looking great and unpolished for around 4,100 Euros. I would appreciate a quick respond because tomorrow is my last chance of getting this piece.
Hi! If you want a larger size I believe its your best option.
Hey Aleks! My Santos just got delivered today, and I'm really happy with it! However, these's one thing. Every time I set the watch, the entire dial moves and sets unevenly.
Is this normal, or is going to be an expensive fix? I'm still within the 14-day return period, and want to know if it's best to just return the watch or not.
Not normal, talk to the seller and work something out either return or that they fix it. Good luck!
where do i buy vintage Cartier? any recommendation?
I was wondering what kind of papers are you talking about that come with the watch? I just bought my Santos a few days ago, and I'm assuming you mean the receipt and the warranty card with the serial number on it? And what other papers? Also I heard you can just have them replace the bezel for a completely new one for a fee, do you know if that's true?
Not necessarily the receipt of purchase, but the warranty card and the booklet/manual. Yes they can change it but if you have the two-tone model it is very expensive
Hi! Any tips on good vintage retailers in Stockholm?
Hi! Not too many out there I’m afraid
@@AleksWatches thanks anyways! Love the channel
Thanks alot!
Does any one knows what is the difference between Cartier Santos 2961 vs 1172961? The only difference that I saw is the number in the back case of the watch.
Bracelet should be a later version as well usually
Hi Aleks, from your experience the carree post 1990 will not display the materials on the case back?
No Carrees made since mid/late 80’s
My experience is that early example had no info about materials on caseback (came on later production models)
What about later example, after 1990?
Also, does it always have to be 2961xxxx for serial number? Would there ever be examples where is can be different
@THISISKENNYC no Carrees produced in the 90’s. Maybe sold then but not produced since Galbée was introduced.
Not always 2961 could be other numbers as well
@AleksWatches thank you for replying, so 2961 two tone carree, may have different serial number from 2961xxxx?
Yes as I said in the earlier reply 😉
What is the size of the large version ? 29x41? Is there a larger Version of the Carreé? I
Correct. And no, that is the largest version. There is a Galbée XL however that is about 32mm wide
Where is your shirt from?
Stenströms
What would you say is the best auction house to buy vintage Cartier?
Impossible question to answer. Very different from auction to auction and what kind of objects you are looking for
@@AleksWatches Makes sense. As someone who would be buying a watch like a vintage Santos from auction for the first time, do you have any recommendation about which auction house is easiest to work with, and do you have any tips about purchasing watches at auction? This might actually be a good video if you have a lot of experience doing this.
Quite common, I would use a search engine for auction houses, there are a few out there. Check the terms before buying :) Happy hunting!
I have a two tone and the date is in number 6 area not on 3.
Then it is a Galbée as explained in the video :)
@@AleksWatches oh i see. And also do you made an video on how to adjust the time of this cartier watch?
It is a simple push/pull crown with 2 positions, one for date and one for setting the time (pushed in is winding mode)
Chirag paswan wear this watch
i found one to buy like ur gold one where can i send you a link so you tell me of is a good one.
DM me on Instagram ✌🏼
@@AleksWatches i texted u from rareplantjungle
The Cartier Santos is an iconic beautiful but I would not buy one. Why? Because the Santos is extremely scratch prone, especially on the high polished bezel. Cartier knows about this flaw and refuses to fix it, meanwhile, RUclipsrs keep making excuses for the flawed and subpar metal casing. Silver colored watches, such as stainless steel and titanium, are the defacto metal of choice. Why, in 2024, aren't manufacturers making "scratch-proof" watches? There are PVD coatings and nomenclatures like 316L steel, super titanium, TinSkin 3.0, and platinum encasements. A company as profitable and well funded as Cartier has no excuse for making watches that are scratch prone. Invest a little R&D and fix this problem. It's not just a Cartier problem, but most luxury watchmakers don't put in the effort to ensure their watches are "scratch-proof" or as scratch resistant as possible. It's a shame. For this reason alone I would never buy a Cartier Santos. Profits above all. So what are the most scratch resistant metals? Tegiment steel and UltraHex titanium.
You can swap the bezel for less than 5% of the purchase price 🤷🏻♂️
Get Watch Shield for the Cartier and you should be good
Hey whats the water restance on these
80m
Both santos watches you are referring to in most of the video are they 29mm?
Yes!
@@AleksWatches awesome such a timely video to find. Heading to a vintage watch store to take a look soon can’t wait to try it on. For me it’s the one watch collection piece I’m looking for. So timeless and I have a feeling size is going to perfect as I have very small wrists and everything try in just always looks large, even if it’s considered a “smaller Watch”.
It’s 41mm long so close to a vintage Datejust in terms of sizing 💪🏼
1:10 I mean ffs, from this viewpoint neither is more rounded/square. why do ppl keep saying this? if edges and the profile is more rounded in the Galbee then show that, but looking head on they're almost identical
Well sir, the first tell is obviously the date at 3 vs 6 o'clock, further down the video I show side shots. Galbée has a flat caseback and is more curved while the Carrée has a caseback that protrudes a bit cause of the automatic movement.
Mate where do you find a carree und good condition for that price? I‘m looking for a 2961 as unpolished as possible for a year now and i just can’t find one below 5,5k which is just too much in my opinion..
Well a lot has happened on the market since the video was uploaded. Nice examples are trading around the 4,5-5k mark +/- 500 ish.
@@AleksWatchesYeah thats crazy, it‘s only been about a year!
3-4 years ago they where around 1.5k..
@@AleksWatches seems i‘m just a little too late to the Party 😅. But I‘ll be getting myself one this year anyway!
Still not a bad purchase considering what you get imo :)
Have you seen a Santos with a guilloche dial? Is that normal?
There are guilllche dial versions yes
I have a pair dual tone. on the gents the date is at 3 and on the ladies the date is between 4 and 5
1:10 I see two Santos carrée..
Well.. look again 😂
Moon face Cartier santos
No size of each?
29x41mm
are u swedish?
Yes
“Greed is good”
What do you think of this model w3sa0007 trying to get it for my wife 40th