Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch

Cartier Santos 100 Automatic Wristwatch, Ref. 2878

Partially verified

This Cartier Santos 100 automatic wristwatch, catalogued under reference 2878, features a square stainless steel case with rounded corners and a bezel secured by exposed screws. Its silver-tone dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, an inner railway minute track, and blued hands. According to the auction listing, the timepiece is powered by a Swiss automatic movement and features a crown set with a cabochon-style accent. Fitted with a white strap and stainless steel deployant buckle, the watch was offered with an original red Cartier presentation box and two booklets. The source records case back engravings including the model name, Swiss Made designation, and serial number 239891MX.

Cartier Santos 100 wristwatch mounted on a cushion inside an open red presentation box
Cartier Santos 100 wristwatch mounted on a cushion inside an open red presentation box — Coral Gables Auction. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
2878
Catalogue / lot identifier
296
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
239891MX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Case Features

The timepiece is a Cartier Santos 100 automatic wristwatch, cataloged under reference 2878. The watch features a square stainless steel case with rounded corners and a signature screw-accented bezel.

The stainless steel case back is engraved with 'Santos 100,' 'Cartier,' 'Automatic,' 'Stainless Steel,' the water resistance rating of '100m 330ft,' 'Swiss Made,' and the serial number 239891MX.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cartier Santos 100 automatic wristwatch, reference 2878”
  • “stainless steel square case with rounded corners, a signature screw-accented bezel”
  • “The stainless steel case back is engraved Santos 100, Cartier, Automatic, Stainless Steel, Water Resistant 100m 330ft, Swiss Made, and serial number 239891MX.”

Dial and Mechanism

The watch features a silver-tone dial with bold Roman numeral hour markers, an inner railway minute track, and blued steel-style hands. The crown is designed with a cabochon-style accent.

The movement is described as a Swiss automatic movement. The auction source notes that movement functionality, timekeeping accuracy, and water resistance have not been tested.

Evidence for this section
  • “silver-tone dial with bold Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel-style hands.”
  • “features a distinctive crown with a cabochon-style accent.”
  • “The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement”
  • “Movement functionality, timekeeping accuracy, and water resistance have not been tested.”

Presentation and Condition

The lot includes a red Cartier presentation box measuring 4 inches in height by 5 3/4 inches in width and depth, along with two Cartier booklets. The watch is fitted with a white Cartier-branded strap and a stainless steel deployant buckle.

Condition is reported as good pre-owned, with visible surface scratches, scuffs, and signs of wear on the stainless steel case, case back, and buckle. The strap displays minor signs of handling, while the dial and crystal are reported to appear well-preserved.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by a red Cartier presentation box and two Cartier booklets.”
  • “Box Measure 4"in H x 5 3/4"in W x 5 3/4"in D”
  • “Fitted with a white Cartier-branded strap and stainless steel deployant buckle.”
  • “Good pre-owned condition with visible surface scratches, scuffs, and signs of wear on the stainless steel case, case back, and buckle.”
  • “The dial and crystal appear well preserved in the photographs.”

Open research questions

  • Do the internal components retain original factory specifications given the auction house disclaimer regarding untested movement and component originality?
  • What is the specific production date associated with serial number 239891MX?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Santos 100 Automatic Wristwatch, Ref. 2878
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference2878“reference 2878”
Serial Number239891MX“serial number 239891MX”
Case MaterialStainless steel“stainless steel square case with rounded corners”
Movement TypeSwiss automatic“powered by a Swiss automatic movement”
Case Back EngravingSantos 100, Cartier, Automatic, Stainless Steel, Water Resistant 100m 330ft, Swiss Made“engraved Santos 100, Cartier, Automatic, Stainless Steel, Water Resistant 100m 330ft, Swiss Made”
Box Dimensions4 in H x 5 3/4 in W x 5 3/4 in D“Box Measure 4"in H x 5 3/4"in W x 5 3/4"in D”

Visible details

  • Square stainless steel case with rounded contours and bezel secured by eight perimeter screws.
  • White/silver-tone dial displaying radiating black Roman numerals, inner railway minute track, and blued hands.
  • White strap attached to the lugs with visible strap screws, displayed on a black cushion inside an open red Cartier presentation box.

Research qualifications

  • Movement operation, accuracy, and water resistance were catalogued as untested by the auction house.
  • Case back inscriptions and movement calibre are obscured and not visible in the primary photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Cartier Santos 100 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with White Strap, Ref. 2878, Box and Papers

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 16d5a3aff8

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other automatic wristwatch records