Cartier Santos Octagonal Vintage Watch - Steel 2965 (1980s)
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Movement guaranteed for 1 year
Free insured shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Cartier Santos Octogonale 2965: an automatic steel watch with a white dial
This Cartier Santos Octogonale Watch, reference 2965, is an iconic piece from the 1980s, with an all-steel octagonal case. It stands out for its octagonal bezel with visible screws, a signature of the Parisian house's bold geometric design — a chic response to the spirit of the sport-luxury watches of the era. Its classic white dial, adorned with Roman numerals and blued sword hands, is complemented by a date window at 3 o'clock. With balanced proportions, it wears equally well on a man's or a woman's wrist. A true Cartier icon.
The white dial highlights the black Roman numerals and a peripheral minute track, in the purest Cartier DNA. The blued sword hands add a touch of elegance and a lovely contrast, while the date window at 3 o'clock brings genuine everyday practicality. The blue cabochon crown, another signature of the house, completes the whole. A classic and refined dial, with perfect legibility.
At the heart of this Santos beats a Swiss automatic movement (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 in July 2025, it is ready to be worn every day.
With its 29mm octagonal case in steel and its original integrated steel bracelet with visible screws, this Santos offers ideal proportions and an immediately recognizable silhouette, on a man's wrist as much as a woman's — a true Unisex watch. The sapphire Crystal shows two micro-scratches at the center (8/10) and the whole has been serviced. The bracelet adjusts to approximately 16.5cm (additional links available on request).
Three points to note
- Cartier Santos Octogonale ref. 2965, steel octagonal case, white dial with Roman numerals, date at 3 o'clock (1980s).
- Swiss automatic movement (ETA base) with date, sapphire Crystal, blue cabochon crown, serviced by Watchfinder in 2024.
- Delivered without original box or papers; Unisex watch, fully serviced, accompanied by Atelier Victor invoice.
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Technical characteristics
- Brand: Cartier
- Model: Santos Octogonale
- Reference: 2965
- Estimated year: 1980s
- Origin: Switzerland
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Swiss automatic (ETA base)
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
- Power reserve: Approximately 38 hours
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 3 o'clock
- Case: Steel (steel caseback), octagonal shape, bezel with visible screws
- Dimensions: 29mm (31mm with crown)
- Lug to lug: 40mm
- Thickness: 9mm (Crystal included)
- Lug width: 18mm
- Crown: Steel with blue cabochon, original
- Dial: White, black Roman numerals, railway track, date at 3 o'clock, original
- Hands: Blued sword, original
- Crystal: Sapphire (8/10, 2 micro-scratches in the center)
- Bracelet: Integrated steel with screws, original, adjusted to ~16.5cm, additional links on request, original
- Buckle: Steel deployant clasp, original
Condition and warranty
- General condition: Very well preserved condition. Case and steel bracelet in good condition with a few scratches; Crystal sapphire 8/10 (2 micro-scratches in the center).
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanics: Automatic movement serviced in July 2025, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cartier Santos Octogonale?
The Santos Octagon is a variation of the famous Santos line by Cartier, introduced in the late 1970s. It stands out for its octagonal case and bezel with visible screws, in a geometric sport-chic spirit. Reference 2965, in steel and with automatic movement, is one of its 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 was fully serviced in July 2025 and is guaranteed for 1 year.
Is the watch delivered with its box and papers?
No. This Santos is delivered without its original box or papers. It does, however, come with the Atelier Victor invoice, attesting to its authenticity, and a protective case for transport and storage.
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 seals. 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 29mm octagonal case is an ideal size for wear that is both masculine and feminine. 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.
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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