WHY WE CURATED IT: A historically important Cartier. Up until this watch, all Cartiers were full precious metal. First released in 1978, this was their first-ever steel watch. But old habits die hard, and we’re glad that this retains gorgeous solid 18K gold bracelet screws and bezel. Carrées are also direct descendants of the Santos-Dumont: the world’s first men’s wristwatch in 1904 (created for the pioneering aviator of the same name so he could fly without dropping aircraft controls to fumble for a pocket watch). Therefore also the first pilot’s watch! Compact in size but bold in presence with flat bracelet links that catch the light. Fancy a blocky square watch that’s still somehow elegant? This one’s for you. In lovely condition, with box and service papers!
CONDITION: 9/10 with minimal signs of wear. Mostly hairlines on the bezel and slight unevenness on the inner lower right edge, but otherwise upright and thick with latitude for refinishing should you desire (we recommend retaining it as is for some vintage wabi-sabi charm). Broad case flank chamfers and sharp condition overall. Crystal, dial, hands and cabochon are clean. Caseback engravings deep and clear with intact red lacquer infills. Gen 1 bracelet has zero stretch. Movement in good health (serviced independently June 2025) with above-spec power reserve, low beat error, excellent amplitude and accurate to within ±15 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.
