Cartier Santos Carrée Or Massif Ref. 2960 – Factory Diamond Slate “Paris” Dial, Full Set (1986)
A striking expression of 1980s Cartier luxury, this Santos Carrée Or Massif Ref. 2960 from 1986 is crafted entirely in solid 18k yellow gold and elevated by its rare factory diamond configuration. Preserved in wonderful vintage condition and offered as a complete full set, this example represents one of the most desirable executions of the classic Santos.
The Icon Refined in Gold
The Santos Carrée embodies Cartier’s timeless design language—clean geometry, exposed screws, and effortless elegance. In this Or Massif configuration, both case and bracelet are rendered in solid 18k yellow gold, giving the watch a rich, unmistakable presence on the wrist.
Measuring 29mm x 41mm, it wears with perfect balance—refined yet bold, unmistakably Cartier.
Dial – Rare Grey Slate with 12 Factory Diamonds
The highlight of this piece is its exceptionally rare grey slate dial, signed “Paris” and set with twelve factory diamonds. The contrast between the deep grey tone and warm yellow gold gives the watch a refined yet powerful presence.
Golden hands indicate the pure essentials—hours and minutes only—preserving the harmonious symmetry of the dial.
Factory Diamond Details
Cartier’s factory diamond setting extends beyond the dial to the crown and bracelet end links, each set with two diamonds. These refined details elevate the watch while maintaining its architectural clarity.
All accompanying paperwork confirms the original factory 12-diamond configuration, with matching serial numbers throughout.
Movement – Calibre Cartier 076
Inside beats the Cartier Calibre 076, fully serviced and running excellently. The watch performs at +5 seconds per day, with a beat error of 0.1 ms and amplitude over 300°, reflecting strong mechanical health and precise regulation.
Bracelet, Condition & Provenance
The watch features the rarer solid gold link bracelet, far less common than the hollow-link versions. It fits wrists up to 17.5cm and remains in excellent vintage condition with crisp structure and strong presence.
Notably, the caseback shows no visible numbers and retains its Cartier service sticker. Directly sourced from the family of the original German owners, this piece is fresh to the market and accompanied by its original box, warranty papers, service documentation, Cartier insurance valuation, and additional paperwork—a true collector’s full set.
Key Details
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Model: Cartier Santos Carrée Or Massif
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Reference: 2960
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Year: 1986
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Case Size: 29mm x 41mm (no numbers visible)
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Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold
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Dial: Grey Slate “Paris” Signed, 12 Factory Diamonds
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Movement: Cartier Calibre 076, Fully Serviced
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Performance: +5 sec/day, 0.1 ms beat error, 300°+ amplitude
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Bracelet: Solid 18k Yellow Gold, fits up to 17.5cm
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Crown & End Links: Factory Diamond Set
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Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition
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Set: Full Set with Box & Papers (all papers matching serials)
Why This Watch?
The Santos Carrée Or Massif Ref. 2960 stands at the intersection of classic Cartier design and 1980s opulence. With its rare grey “Paris” dial, confirmed factory diamond configuration, fully serviced movement, and complete provenance, this example offers both aesthetic distinction and serious collector appeal—a refined yet radiant statement from Cartier’s golden era.
