Cartier Santos Carrée Automatic Ref. 2960 – The Iconic ‘Or Massif’ Power Watch of the 1980s
A symbol of 1980s power dressing and Parisian design excellence, the Cartier Santos Carrée Ref. 2960 in solid 18K yellow gold is more than just a timepiece—it’s a cultural artifact. This automatic Santos is the most exclusive version of the famed model: the legendary Or Massif—fully rendered in heavy 18K gold, worn by titans of finance and fashion alike.
Sharp, Unpolished & Substantial: The Case and Bracelet
Cased in a bold, angular 29mm square body and paired with a fully integrated solid 18K yellow gold bracelet, this watch retains its original brushed and polished finish with crisp edges and an untouched caseback serial number—evidence of its unpolished condition. The case has a strong wrist presence, especially when combined with the heft of the factory bracelet, which includes two additional links for a total fit of approximately 18.5–19cm—an increasingly rare find, as additional gold links are exceptionally scarce.
True to Cartier’s house codes, the case is crowned with a blue sapphire cabochon, and features a sapphire crystal protecting the unmistakable white ‘Swiss-only’ factory original Cartier dial with elegant blued steel sword hands. Every detail is correct, balanced, and aesthetically enduring.
Cartier Automatic Movement – Recently Serviced
Inside beats a Cartier automatic movement, freshly serviced by a professional watchmaker and performing beautifully at +2 seconds/day with an amplitude of 312°. The watch comes with a one-year mechanical warranty and is ready to wear or collect with confidence. The caseback is tightly secured with screws, in classic Santos fashion, highlighting the sporty elegance Cartier pioneered in the late 20th century.
Accompanied by a Cartier red velvet service pouch, this watch is complete with both mechanical and visual appeal.
The Gordon Gekko Watch – A 1980s Cultural Touchstone
Revered as the “Gordon Gekko watch” after its prominent role on-screen and on wrists throughout Wall Street’s golden era, the Santos Carrée was Cartier’s first true sports watch on bracelet. Launched in 1978 as part of the now-iconic redesign, the Carrée ushered in the age of integrated bracelet luxury watches—preceding and inspiring an entire generation of luxury sport-dress hybrids.
The example offered here is the most desirable configuration: full solid 18K yellow gold, known as the Or Massif, with no compromises in weight, finish, or flair.
Specifications:
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Reference: 2960
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Year: Circa 1980s
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Case: 29mm x 41mm solid 18K yellow gold, unpolished
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Bracelet: Integrated 18K yellow gold, with two extra links (~18.5–19cm total)
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Dial: Original white Cartier ‘Swiss-only’ signed dial
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Hands: Blued steel sword hands
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Crystal: Sapphire
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Crown: Cartier-signed with blue sapphire cabochon
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Movement: Cartier automatic, freshly serviced (+2s/d, 312° amplitude)
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Accessories: Cartier red velvet service pouch
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Condition: Excellent vintage condition – sharp case lines, original finish, untouched serial
Why This Watch?
The Cartier Santos Carrée Ref. 2960 Or Massif stands at the crossroads of luxury and legacy. It is the embodiment of Cartier’s bold move into sport-luxury watchmaking and remains a definitive icon of its era. With an unpolished case, long bracelet, untouched dial, and freshly serviced automatic movement, this watch is a prime example for the discerning collector or sartorial connoisseur. A golden brick of 1980s prestige—ready to be worn or admired.
