Cartier Santos Galbée, stainless steel

1980s-90s Cartier Santos Galbée, Stainless steel, Large size (29mm) 

Designed for famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Cartier Santos was originally  introduced in 1904 as the world's first pilot’s watch, following Alberto's request to Louis Cartier for a practical wristwatch that he could wear while flying, rather than resorting to a pocket watch.

The Santos lineage was redefined in 1987 with the introduction of the Galbée (French for "curved" or "contoured"). Departing from the flat, industrial geometry of its predecessors, the Santos Galbée boasts an ergonomically arched case (6.7mm thick in this specific reference) and lugs that hug the wrist- an intentional design approach that is as much about comfort as it is about silhouette.

Upon the Galbée’s debut, this 29mm x 41mm case size reference was designated as the "Large" model (often labeled as the Grand Modèle or LM). This remained the largest size offering of the Santos for nearly two decades until the mid-2000s when the oversized watch trend began to dominate the industry, culminating in the introduction of the modern XL line, scaling up the Santos to a 32mm case.

While 29mm case width may seem modest on paper, the Galbée’s squared case, thick bezel and integrated bracelet make for significant on-wrist presence, wearing similar to a 31 - 34mm round watch. This unisex, mid-size "sweet spot" makes this Galbée a favored reference by all who seek a timepiece with precise, unobtrusive proportion. 

in this monochromatic stainless steel reference, the watch becomes a study of light and texture, accentuating some of Cartier's signature elements. The beautiful brushed finish case and bracelet are punctuated by high-polished bezel and screws, while the "rail-track" minute circle and blued hour hands contrast perfectly against the watch's white dial. This interplay of textures adds subtle depth, making for a refined, versatile watch that transitions effortlessly between settings.

The quartz movement models of this watch were produced from 1987 through the early 2000s. 

Movement: Quartz 
Case width: 29 mm
Bracelet length: 7", length adjustable by removing links or sourcing more links
Materials: Stainless steel
Very good vintage condition