Vintage Cartier Santos Watch - Octagonal Steel 2965 (1980s)
Only 1 available
Payment by bank transfer: -3%
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the EU
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Serviced movement & 1 year warranty
International shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Cartier Santos Octogonale 2965: an automatic stainless steel watch with a white dial
This Cartier Santos Octogonale watch, reference 2965, is an emblematic piece from the 1980s, with a fully stainless steel octagonal case. It stands out for its octagonal bezel with exposed screws, a signature of the Parisian house’s bold geometric design — a chic answer to the spirit of the era’s sport-luxury watches. Its classic white dial, adorned with Roman numerals and blued sword hands, is completed by a date window at 3 o’clock. With balanced proportions, it can be worn equally well on a man’s or a woman’s wrist. A true Cartier icon, delivered with its original box.
The white dial highlights the black Roman numerals and a peripheral minute track, in the purest Cartier DNA. The blued sword hands bring a touch of elegance and a lovely contrast, while the date window at 3 o’clock adds real everyday practicality. The blue cabochon crown, another signature of the house, crowns the ensemble. A classic, refined dial, with perfect legibility.
At the heart of this Santos beats a automatic movement of Swiss manufacture (ETA base), with automatic winding and date. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Protected by its sapphire Crystal, this watch combines Cartier elegance with the reliability of a proven mechanical movement. Fully serviced, it is ready to be worn every day.
With its 29mm octagonal case in steel and its original integrated steel bracelet with exposed screws, this Santos offers ideal proportions and an immediately recognizable silhouette on the wrist of a man or a woman — a true Unisex watch. The sapphire Crystal shows two micro-scratches at the center (8/10) and the watch has been serviced. The bracelet adjusts to approximately 16.5cm (extra links available on request).
Three points to note
- Cartier Santos Octogonale ref. 2965, octagonal steel case, white dial with Roman numerals, date at 3 o’clock (1980s).
- Swiss automatic movement (ETA base) with date, sapphire Crystal, blue cabochon crown.
- Delivered with its original box (without papers); Unisex watch, fully serviced.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Cartier
- Model: Santos Octagonal
- Reference: 2965
- Estimated Year: 1980s
- Origin: Switzerland
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Case: Steel (steel back), octagonal shape, bezel with exposed screws
- Dimensions: 29mm (31mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 40mm
- Thickness: 9mm (Crystal included)
- Lug width: 18mm
- Crown: Steel with blue cabochon, original
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition: Magnificent state of preservation. Case and steel bracelet in beautiful condition; Crystal 8/10 (2 micro-scratches at the center). Automatic movement serviced and functional.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanical: Serviced automatic movement, 1-year warranty
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, original box, protective case
- Not included: Original papers
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cartier Santos Octagon?
The Santos Octagon is a variant of the famous Santos line by Cartier, first introduced in the late 1970s. It stands out for its octagonal case and bezel with visible screws, in a sporty-chic geometric spirit. Reference 2965, in steel and with an automatic movement, is one of the most sought-after versions.
What movement powers this Santos 2965?
It is powered by a Swiss automatic movement (ETA base), with date, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Reliable and proven, it has been fully serviced and is guaranteed for 1 year.
Does the watch come with its box and papers?
This Santos comes with its original box, but without the original papers. It is also accompanied by the Atelier Victor invoice and a protective case.
Is this watch water-resistant?
This is a vintage watch: although the Santos was designed with a certain degree of water resistance, water resistance can no longer be guaranteed today without replacing the gaskets. We recommend avoiding any contact with water without prior servicing.
Is this watch suitable for a man or a woman?
It is a Unisex watch. Its 29 mm octagonal case is an ideal size for both masculine and feminine wear. Its white dial with Roman numerals and iconic design make it an elegant piece for any occasion.
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.
We accept several payment methods:
- Bank card (Visa, Mastercard — American Express not accepted)
- Bank transfer (AED, EUR, USD)
- Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC)
- PayPal
Other currencies accepted upon request. Exchange fees of approximately 3% may apply.
A 3% discount is granted for any payment by bank transfer starting from €1,000.
Does the strap not suit you? Add the strap of your choice to your order: we will fit it to your watch before shipment, at no fitting charge.
International Shipping
Shipped within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination. Delivery in 2 to 6 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Free delivery from €1,000 of purchase, as well as on the Jewelry Atelier Victor
- 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
Pickup in Dubai
Hand delivery by appointment in Downtown, Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and Customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product sheet. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt, at the buyer's expense. In exceptional situations, customs checks may extend the delivery time, regardless of our wishes and those of the carrier.
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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