Cartier Santos Galbee

The story

The Cartier Santos Galbée ref. 2423 carries the Santos lineage into a softer, wrist-following form, powered by the Cartier calibre 077 automatic movement. Produced primarily between the late 1990s and mid-2000s, it is appreciated by collectors for its adaptation of the historic Santos silhouette. French for curved or shapely, “galbée” describes the evolution from the angular 1970s Carré models: softened square edges and downward-sloping lugs and caseback. The family’s integrated bracelet, with exposed parallel screws on its links and bezel, preserves a design language honouring aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. A date window sits neatly within the dial track, typically near 3 o’clock. This example pairs a 24 mm steel case with a silver guilloché dial and is presented in Very Good condition. The patterned surface gives the eye something to return to as the wrist turns towards the light, while the curved case brings the design close to the wrist. Its compact proportions offer a restrained way to wear the Santos character, with the quiet continuity of an automatic movement beneath the dial. Supplied with its box, this Santos suits a collector drawn to Cartier’s design history or a wearer seeking an everyday companion: a familiar presence through ordinary mornings and occasions worth remembering. Available to view by appointment.