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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch

Cartier Santos Ref. 1172 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Cartier Santos reference 1172 automatic wristwatch is documented by the auction house as dating to 1991. Constructed from stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold, the square case measures approximately 29 mm across excluding the crown guards and cabochon-set crown. The white dial displays black Roman numerals, a central railroad minute track, a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position, and blued hands, with 'SWISS' visible along the lower border. A secret 'CARTIER' signature appears within the numeral VII. According to the source, the timepiece is powered by an automatic Calibre 2671 movement and is fitted with a two-tone steel and gold bracelet.

Front view of Cartier Santos Ref. 1172 case, dial, and bracelet
Front view of Cartier Santos Ref. 1172 case, dial, and bracelet — EPPLI. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
1172
Catalogue / lot identifier
64
Source-reported date
1991
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 Construction

This Cartier Santos wristwatch (Reference 1172) features a square case and integrated bracelet constructed from stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold. The bezel, a hallmark of the Santos line, is secured by eight visible screws, and the crown is topped with a blue cabochon. The overall diameter of the case is approximately 29 mm, excluding the crown.

The auction house notes visible signs of wear on the case, bezel, and bracelet.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stainless steel / 18K yellow gold.”
  • “Diameter approx. 29 mm (measured without the crown).”
  • “Crown with a blue cabochon.”
  • “Good condition with visible signs of wear on the case, bezel, and bracelet.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white dial that displays black Roman numerals and a central railroad-style minute track. A date aperture is positioned at 3 o'clock.

The display includes blued hands for the hour, minute, and sweep seconds. A secret 'CARTIER' signature is integrated into the diagonal stroke of the Roman numeral VII.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with Roman numerals, railway-style minute track, and date display.”
  • “Blued hands.”
  • “Secret signature 'CARTIER' integrated into the diagonal stroke of the Roman numeral VII.”

Movement and Documentation

The timepiece is reported by the source to be powered by an automatic Calibre 2671 movement. The auction house provided a performance report for the movement, noting an accuracy of +4 seconds per day and an amplitude of 272°.

The object is offered as a set including an original box, a 1993 service booklet, an original French sales receipt, and a warranty booklet with a blank certificate. The watch is reported to fit a wrist size up to approximately 17.5 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Automatic movement, Cal. 2671, with very good performance (+4 seconds per day, 272° amplitude).”
  • “Original box with outer box, folder, hang tag, instruction manual, dealer directory, service booklet with a record of a service performed in 1993, original French sales receipt, and warranty booklet with a blank warranty certificate.”
  • “Fits a wrist size of up to approx. 17.5 cm.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific serial number of this unit?
  • What is the full content of the service record from 1993?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Santos Ref. 1172 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1172“CARTIER Santos Ref. 1172”
MaterialsStainless steel / 18K yellow gold“Stainless steel / 18K yellow gold.”
Movement CalibreCal. 2671“Automatic movement, Cal. 2671”
Case Diameterapprox. 29 mm“Diameter approx. 29 mm (measured without the crown).”
Dial FeaturesWhite dial with Roman numerals, railway minute track, and date display“White dial with Roman numerals, railway-style minute track, and date display.”
CrownCrown with a blue cabochon“Crown with a blue cabochon.”
Dated Year1991“CARTIER Santos Ref. 1172 men's watch from 1991”

Visible details

  • Yellow gold square bezel secured with eight visible screws showing fine hairline scratches.
  • Secret signature 'CARTIER' integrated into the diagonal stroke of the Roman numeral VII.
  • Blued steel central hour, minute, and sweep seconds hands positioned over the white dial.
  • Integrated steel bracelet links decorated with rows of inset yellow gold screws.
  • Date display visible through a framed window at the 3 o'clock position displaying numeral 21.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and caseback are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • Accompanying original box, purchase receipt, and documentation noted by the auction house are not depicted in this view.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: CARTIER Santos Ref 1172 men’s watch from 1991 with box, original purchase receipt and blank papers.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record c8e93686e5

Terms in this record

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

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