Vintage Cartier Santos Galbée 1566 Steel & 18k Gold — Two-Tone (2000s)

A question about this piece?
Chat with us on WhatsApp →

Cartier Santos Galbée — The two-tone steel & gold icon of Cartier

The Cartier Santos is one of the most iconic watches in watchmaking. Created by Louis Cartier in 1904 for his friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, it is regarded as the first men’s wristwatch ever conceived. Its square case, eight exposed screws on the bezel, and screw-set bracelet have become the model’s absolute signature, copied but never equaled.

This Cartier Santos Galbée in the 1566 version embodies the modern evolution of the model: a case with curved angles (“Galbée” = rounded, as opposed to the original Santos Carrée) in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, the two-tone combination that made its legend throughout the 1980s-2000s. The screw-down gold bezel, the eight exposed gold screws, and the central links of the 18k gold bracelet give the piece its warm presence, recognizable at first glance.

The white dial in silvered finish follows the Cartier visual grammar: black Roman numerals, minute track around the perimeter, Cartier signature, Swiss Made mention, and date window at 6 o’clock. The blued sword hands — another signature of the maison — provide the contrast that animates the whole. The hexagonal crown recalls aviation and features a blue cabochon, another iconic detail of the model.

Driven by a precise and reliable quartz movement, mounted on its original two-tone Santos bracelet (version 3) with Buckle deployant clasp, this 29mm piece offers a perfectly Unisex size, equally comfortable on a man’s or a woman’s wrist. The sapphire crystal in perfect condition (10/10) protects an immaculate dial. Selected, authenticated and serviced by Atelier Victor. Fast and secure international shipping.

Three points to note about this piece

• Cartier Santos Galbée reference 1566 in two-tone steel and 18k yellow gold: the most iconic version of the model, Unisex 29mm format.
• Screw-down gold bezel with 8 exposed screws, white dial with Roman numerals and blued hands: the Cartier signature in its purest expression.
• Original two-tone Santos bracelet, sapphire crystal in perfect condition (10/10), recently polished case — a piece ready to wear every day.

See our other Cartier Santos watches → | See our Cartier vintage collection →

Technical specifications

• Brand: Cartier
• Model: Santos Galbée (version 3)
• Reference: 1566
• Estimated year: 19 2000
• Origin: Switzerland (Swiss Made)
• Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
• Movement: Quartz
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 6 o'clock
• Case: Stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold, curved carrée shape
• Case back: Steel
• Dimensions: 29mm (33mm with crown)
• Lug to lug: 41mm
• Thickness : 6.7mm (Crystal included)
• Lug width : 17.5mm
• Bezel : Screw-fixed 18-carat yellow gold, 8 visible gold screws
• Crown : Hexagonal with blue cabochon, original
• Dial : Silvered white with black Roman numerals, railway minute track, original
• Hands : Blued sword hands, original
• Crystal : Sapphire, perfect condition (10/10)
• Bracelet : Original two-tone steel and 18k gold Santos (version 3), approximately 17cm in length
• Buckle : Deployant Cartier, original

Condition and Warranty

• Overall condition : Excellent state of preservation. Case recently polished, original white dial in impeccable condition, Crystal sapphire in perfect condition (10/10), two-tone bracelet in beautiful condition. Immediately wearable piece.
• Water resistance : Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
• Authenticity : Lifetime guarantee
• Mechanical : Checked quartz movement, one-year warranty
• Included : Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
• Not included : Original box and papers. Additional links available as an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Cartier Santos Galbée?
  The Santos Galbée is the modern evolution (1980s) of the historic Cartier Santos. Its angles are curved (rounded), as opposed to the original Santos Carrée. It is the model that popularized the steel/gold two-tone combination, which has become one of the model’s most emblematic pairings.
• Is the case made of solid gold?
  The bezel, the 8 screws and the central links of the bracelet are in solid 18-carat yellow gold. The rest of the case and bracelet is in stainless steel. This is the true Cartier two-tone construction — not plated.
• What does reference 1566 version 3 mean?
  The Santos Galbée has undergone several evolutions of the bracelet and case over the years. Reference 1566 designates the medium two-tone quartz date model, and “version 3” corresponds to the evolution of the bracelet — the latest and most accomplished version of the classic Santos Galbée.
• Is this watch suitable for a man or a woman?
  With its 29mm square case (41mm Lug-to-lug), this is a decidedly Unisex piece. It wears perfectly well on both a man’s and a woman’s wrist.
• Why is the bracelet 17cm? Can it be adjusted?
  The bracelet is delivered in its current 17cm configuration. Additional links are available as an option for larger wrists. Do not hesitate to contact us before ordering to verify compatibility with your wrist size.
• What is the international delivery time?
  Dispatch within 48 hours, worldwide delivery in 3 to 5 days via DHL Express, insurance included.

A piece selected by Atelier Victor

Authenticated, inspected, and photographed by us. 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.

Chat with us on WhatsApp →