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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch

Cartier Santos Carré Ref. 2961 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This two-tone Cartier Santos Carré reference 2961 is reported by the auction house to date to circa the 1990s. The case is constructed from stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold, measuring approximately 29 mm across excluding the crown. It features an octagonal crown set with a blue cabochon, framed by integrated crown guards. The white lacquered replacement dial is configured with black Roman numerals, an inner chemin-de-fer minute track, a date aperture at 3 o'clock, and blued steel sword hands with a center seconds hand. The auction house reports a self-winding ETA calibre 2671 movement and an integrated stainless steel bracelet with gold screws and folding clasp.

Front view of the Cartier Santos Carré Ref. 2961 showing the dial, bezel, and upper bracelet links
Front view of the Cartier Santos Carré Ref. 2961 showing the dial, bezel, and upper bracelet links — Eppli. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
2961
Catalogue / lot identifier
49
Source-reported date
ca. 1990s
Country
Switzerland

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

Case and Bracelet Construction

The timepiece is a two-tone watch featuring a brushed stainless steel case and a square, polished 18-karat yellow gold bezel, which is secured by eight exposed screws. The watch is fitted with an integrated stainless steel link bracelet that features decorative yellow gold screws and a folding clasp.

The case measures approximately 29 mm across, excluding the crown. It features a beaded octagonal crown set with a blue spinel cabochon, framed by protective steel shoulder guards.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stainless steel / 18K yellow gold”
  • “crown set with a blue spinel cabochon”
  • “Stainless steel link bracelet with characteristic gold screws and a folding clasp”
  • “Diameter approx. 29 mm, measured without the crown.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white lacquered replacement dial configured with black Roman numerals and a date display at the 3 o'clock position. The dial also includes an inner chemin-de-fer minute track.

The timepiece is equipped with blued steel sword-shaped hour and minute hands, along with a center seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “New white lacquered dial with Roman numerals and date display”
  • “Blued steel sword-shaped hands with a center seconds hand.”

Movement and Maintenance

The auction house reports the watch contains a self-winding ETA Calibre 2671 movement. The listing states the piece was serviced in September 2026, noting a performance of +4 seconds per day with 291° amplitude; however, the movement and case back are not visible in the provided photography.

The source documents that the dial and crown were replaced during service. The watch is dated by the auction house to circa the 1990s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Self-winding movement ETA Cal. 2671”
  • “just serviced in September 2026”
  • “very good working order (+4 s/d, 291° amplitude)”
  • “Good, refurbished condition; dial and crown replaced during service.”
  • “ca. 1990s”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 2026 service date in relation to the actual age of the watch?
  • Are there visible hallmarks on the case back to confirm the production era of the 2961 reference?
  • Does the reported ETA 2671 movement correspond to factory-original specifications for this reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Santos Carré Ref. 2961 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference2961“CARTIER Santos Carree Ref. 2961”
MaterialsStainless steel / 18K yellow gold“Stainless steel / 18K yellow gold, crown set with a blue spinel cabochon.”
CalibreETA Cal. 2671“Self-winding movement ETA Cal. 2671”
DialWhite lacquered dial with Roman numerals and date display“New white lacquered dial with Roman numerals and date display.”
DimensionsApprox. 29 mm excluding crown“Diameter approx. 29 mm, measured without the crown.”
Wrist CapacityUp to approx. 16.5 cm“Suitable for a wrist size of up to approx. 16.5 cm.”

Visible details

  • Square polished yellow gold bezel affixed with eight exposed screws to a brushed stainless steel case
  • White dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers, secret signature incorporated into the VII numeral, and 'SWISS MADE' at 6 o'clock
  • Blued steel sword-shaped hour and minute hands accompanied by a central seconds hand
  • Date window positioned at 3 o'clock within the chapter ring
  • Beaded octagonal crown inset with a blue cabochon gem flanked by protective steel shoulder guards
  • Brushed stainless steel bracelet links fitted with yellow gold decorative screws

Research qualifications

  • Source indicates the dial and crown were replaced during a prior service
  • Source notes a service date and certificate from September 2026, which appears to be a typographical error for 2024 or earlier
  • Movement and case back are not shown in the provided photograph; calibre details rely entirely on source reporting

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

Consulted source

At Auction: CARTIER Santos Carré Ref. 2961 men’s watch, recently serviced in 2026, circa the 1990s.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record d1c3105962

Terms in this record

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

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