{"product_id":"montre-cartier-vintage-santos-galbee-987901-acier-1990s","title":"Vintage Cartier Santos Galbée Watch 987901 — Steel (1990s) ","description":"\u003ch2\u003eVisible screws and the curved lines of the 1990s\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Cartier Santos Galbée large model watch, reference 987901, can be worn equally well by a man or a woman, with a 29 × 41mm steel case whose 6.7mm thickness Crystal included places it in the dress watch category despite its sporty appearance. Eight visible screws run through the bezel, four at the corners and four in the middle of the sides: this detail, inherited from the Santos of 1904 designed for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, remains the model's most immediate signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGalbée refers to the profile of the case. Where earlier Santos had flat sides, this generation launched at the end of the 1980s 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 it really is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cream dial features Roman numerals in \u003cstrong\u003eblue\u003c\/strong\u003e, framed by a railway minute track in the same shade — a less common configuration than the black numerals usually found on this reference. The sword hands and central seconds hand are in blued steel and match this color exactly. The date aperture is at six o'clock, the signature \u003cem\u003eCARTIER\u003c\/em\u003e beneath twelve, and the words \u003cem\u003eSWISS MADE\u003c\/em\u003e at the bottom of the dial. The crown is set with the blue cabochon that is emblematic of the maison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel bracelet is integrated into the case and reprises the visible screw motif on each link, alternating brushed and polished surfaces. It fastens with a Buckle folding clasp Cartier. The Santos Galbée was launched in 1987, at the height of quartz dominance, and represents the moment when Cartier succeeded in translating a 1904 design into a contemporary language without betraying it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree points to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Roman numerals\u003c\/strong\u003e — a less common configuration than black numerals, with blued hands and a blued seconds hand that match them exactly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge model 29 × 41mm\u003c\/strong\u003e — the most sought-after size of the Santos Galbée, equally wearable by a man or a woman.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase probably repolished\u003c\/strong\u003e — the edges have lost some of their original sharpness, which explains the price of this piece, detailed in the Condition section.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy a pre-owned Cartier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquiring a \u003cstrong\u003epre-owned Cartier watch\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than buying in a boutique gives access to one of watchmaking's most recognizable designs at a budget significantly lower than retail price, in a piece already broken in. The Santos is among the \u003cstrong\u003epre-owned luxury watches\u003c\/strong\u003e whose value is the most stable, supported by a design the maison has never abandoned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model holds a precise place among \u003cstrong\u003emen's and women's watches\u003c\/strong\u003e: its 29 × 41mm format and integrated bracelet make it a \u003cstrong\u003esteel watch\u003c\/strong\u003e that transitions 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all our \u003cstrong\u003eCartier watches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this one has been opened and checked by our watchmakers: verification of the caliber and its consistency with the reference, checking of the serial number, examination of the dial, hands, and case. It is this examination that forms the basis of our lifetime authenticity guarantee, and also allows us to identify previous interventions. Each \u003cstrong\u003eluxury watch\u003c\/strong\u003e  that we offer is covered by a one-year warranty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-cartier-vintage\"\u003eDiscover our vintage Cartier watches\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e→ \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/montres-vintage-2000e\"\u003eView our watches from €2000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cartier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Santos Galbée large model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 987901\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1990s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Switzerland (Swiss Made)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGender:\u003c\/strong\u003e Men's and women's watch (Unisex)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartz Cartier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 6 o'clock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel, curved carrée shape, probably repolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase back:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel, screwed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 29mm (33mm including the crown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug to lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.7mm (Crystal included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17.5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel, eight visible screws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrown:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hexagonal with blue cabochon, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cream, blue Roman numerals, railway minute track, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blued steel sword hands, blued central seconds hand, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire, excellent condition (9\/10)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated steel with visible screws, 16.5cm (additional links on request), original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuckle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deployant Cartier, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition and warranty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good condition. The cream dial is immaculate, the Roman numerals and blued hands are perfectly crisp, and the sapphire Crystal is in excellent condition (9\/10). The case has very likely been polished during its lifetime: the edges of the case middle and bezel have lost some of their original sharpness, and the contrast between brushed and polished surfaces has softened on the bracelet. Signs of wear have accumulated since then, particularly visible on the lower links, as shown in our photographs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rated to 30 metres when it left the factory. We do not perform pressure testing and therefore cannot guarantee this rating on a pre-owned watch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lifetime guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartz movement checked, new battery, one-year warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Atelier Victor invoice, protective case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original box and papers. Additional links available on request.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does a repolished case mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePolishing removes a thin layer of metal to erase scratches. When repeated, it gradually softens the edges that define the case design and reduces the contrast between brushed and polished surfaces. On this Santos, the signs are visible: the angles of the case middle and bezel are softened compared with an example that has never been repolished. This affects neither strength, nor water resistance, nor operation, but it matters to a collector concerned with the integrity of the original surfaces. The price of this piece reflects that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat wrist size is this bracelet suitable for?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe bracelet currently measures 16.5cm, which suits wrists of approximately 15.5cm and under. This is a short length for a large model: if your wrist exceeds this measurement, additional links are required. We can source them for you to order — let us know your wrist size before confirming your purchase and we will confirm the lead time and cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Galbée model?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGalbée 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 launched in 1987 and connects to the bracelet without any visible break. The result is markedly greater wearing comfort and a silhouette that appears slimmer than its dimensions would suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do the visible screws come from?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey 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 taking his hands off the controls of his aircraft. At the time, the screws genuinely fastened the bezel to the case. They became the model's visual signature and are now echoed on each link of the bracelet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow was this watch authenticated?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur watchmakers open the case of each piece before it is listed online. They verify the calibre and its consistency with the reference, check the serial number, and examine the dial, hands, and all components. This examination also makes it possible to identify previous interventions, such as the polishing mentioned above. Accompanying documents, when they exist, are reassuring but do not replace expertise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Cartier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54581138522449,"sku":"987901 08765","price":4882.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/8576\/2597\/files\/VD_05829.jpg?v=1787325251","url":"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/en\/products\/vintage-cartier-santos-galbee-watch-987901-steel-1990s","provider":"Atelier Victor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}