Vintage Cartier Santos Galbée Watch 187901 — Steel Gold 29mm Serviced Cartier (1990s)
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Movement guaranteed for 1 year
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Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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A Santos Galbée serviced by Cartier
This Cartier Santos Galbée watch, reference 187901, produced in the 1990s, can be worn equally well by a man or a woman, with a 29mm steel case topped by a yellow gold bezel. Eight visible screws run through it, four at the corners and four at the middle of the sides — the detail inherited from the Santos of 1904, designed by Louis Cartier for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.
It underwent a full service carried out by Cartier in March 2025, the official documents for which accompany the piece. A service history documented by the maison itself remains rare on the pre-owned market: it attests that the movement was dismantled, cleaned, and adjusted according to the manufacturer's procedures. The case was also polished during the life of the watch, although we are unable to determine whether or not this intervention was part of the Cartier service.
Galbée refers to the profile of the case. Where earlier Santos models had flat sides, this generation adopts a curved case middle that slopes toward the wrist and joins the bracelet seamlessly. Wearing comfort is transformed, and the watch appears slimmer than its 6.7mm might suggest.
The original cream dial bears the maison's characteristic black Roman numerals and railway minute track, with the date window at six o'clock. The black sword hands stand out sharply against it. The octagonal crown is set with the blue cabochon that signifies Cartier. The steel and gold bracelet, integrated into the case, reprises the motif of the visible screws on each link and fastens with a signed Cartier folding clasp.
Three points to note
- Cartier service March 2025 — full service carried out by the maison, official documents supplied with the watch.
- Yellow gold bezel on steel case — the two-tone construction of the Santos Galbée, with its eight visible screws.
- Case in very fine condition — polished during the life of the watch, it bears only a few micro-scratches on the bezel.
Why buy a pre-owned Cartier?
Acquiring a pre-owned Cartier watch rather than one from a boutique allows access to one of watchmaking's most recognizable designs at a budget significantly below retail price. When the piece has been serviced by the maison itself, as this one has, the price difference with a new example is no longer offset by service that still needs to be planned.
This model holds a specific place among men's and women's watches: its 29mm format and integrated bracelet make it a two-tone watch that moves from the office to the weekend without change. It is one of the rare dress pieces that can withstand daily wear without seeming out of place.
Like all our Cartier watches, this one has been opened and inspected by our watchmakers: verification of the caliber and its consistency with the reference, checking the serial number, examination of the dial, hands, and case. It is this examination that forms the basis of our lifetime authenticity guarantee. Every luxury watch we offer is covered by a one-year guarantee.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Cartier
- Model: Santos Galbée
- Reference: 187901
- Estimated year: 1990s
- Origin: Switzerland (Swiss Made)
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Swiss quartz
- Functions: Hours, minutes, date at 6 o'clock
- Case: Steel, polished during the life of the watch
- Bezel: 18k yellow gold with exposed screws
- Case back: Steel
- Dimensions: 29mm (32mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 41mm
- Thickness: 6.7mm (Crystal included)
- Lug width: 17.5mm
- Crown: Octagonal with blue cabochon, original or service Cartier
- Dial: Cream, black Roman numerals, railway minute track, original
- Hands: Black, sword-shaped, original
- Crystal: Sapphire, excellent condition
- Bracelet: Steel and gold, integrated with exposed screws, approx. 17.5cm, original
- Buckle: Signed deployant Cartier, original
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition: Remarkable condition. The case and bracelet have been polished during the life of the watch and retain crisp surfaces, with a sharp contrast between the brushed steel and polished gold. Only a few micro-scratches remain on the bezel. The cream dial is intact, the Roman numerals and hands perfectly crisp, the sapphire Crystal in excellent condition.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanical: Movement serviced by Cartier, guaranteed for 1 year by Atelier Victor
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case, Cartier service documents March 2025
- Not included: Original box and papers (Cartier case optional). Additional links available on request.
Frequently asked questions
Has the watch really been serviced by Cartier?
Yes. This Santos Galbée underwent a full service carried out by Cartier in March 2025, and the official documents accompany the watch. A maintenance history documented by the maison itself remains rare on the pre-owned market: it attests that the movement was disassembled, cleaned and adjusted according to the manufacturer's procedures, and that wear parts were replaced if necessary.
Has the case been polished?
Yes, during the life of the watch. We are not in a position to determine whether this work was part of the 2025 Cartier service or an earlier intervention, and we prefer not to assert what we have not verified. In any event, the result is carefully executed: the edges of the case middle remain crisp and the contrast between the brushed steel and polished gold is intact, which is not the case with a case repolished without care.
What is the Galbée model?
Galbée refers to the profile of the case, whose middle case is curved and slopes down toward the wrist, whereas earlier Santos had flat sides. This generation was introduced in 1987 and connects to the bracelet without any visible break. The result is markedly superior wearing comfort and a silhouette that appears slimmer than its dimensions might suggest.
Where do the visible screws come from?
They date back to the Santos of 1904, which Louis Cartier designed for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to read the time without letting go of his aircraft’s controls. At the time, the screws genuinely secured the bezel to the case. They became the model’s visual signature and are now echoed on every link of the bracelet.
What wrist size does this bracelet fit?
The bracelet measures 18cm, which suits the vast majority of wrists, both feminine and masculine. It can be adjusted by removing links through a watchmaker, and we can take care of this before shipping if you let us know your wrist size. Additional links are available to order if needed.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
Free delivery
Delivery is free on all our pieces internationally. Dispatch within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express, Emirates Post, EMS or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination, delivery within 2 to 14 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Collection in Dubai
In-person handover by appointment in Downtown Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product page. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt and are payable by the buyer. Customs inspections may in rare cases extend the delivery time.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.
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