WHY WE CURATED IT: Often cited as an AP Royal Oak-inspired Cartier, but to jump to such a conclusion would be to completely miss the era’s larger cultural shifts in design and architecture that led to this creation. We’ve often discussed the importance of the 1970s Santos Carrée (“Square”): Cartier’s first steel watch and an evolution of the OG Santos (the world’s first men’s wristwatch and pilot watch). But by the late 70s/early 80s, everything (not just watches) was enveloped by a move to sculptural, geometric, experimental forms. This Octagon was just a natural expression of that zeitgeist. Hardly surprising or forced for The Master of Shapes. Yet, all the classic Santos cues remain: exposed screws mimicking aircraft sheet metal rivets, Roman numerals, blued sword hands, and a cabochon-ed crown. This shape has never been recreated by La Maison since, and as such, every specimen of this blip in time is treasured by collectors. Here in LM size with a gorgeous cream dial and in fantastic condition!
CONDITION: 9.5/10 with minimal signs of wear, mostly on the steel bracelet. The watch is sharp and looks to be unpolished with clear bevels and chamfers, deeply recessed screws and sharp edges. Crystal, original Swiss-only dial, hands and cabochon are pristine. Caseback engravings remain clear. Bracelet has zero stretch. Movement in excellent health and quartz-accurate.
