The history of this Cartier Santos Galbée
In 1904, Louis Cartier responded to a request from the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to tell the time whilst in flight, and designed one of the first wristwatches for him. The square case with rounded corners and the visible screws on the bezel established a design language that the House has never strayed from. In 1978, Alain-Dominique Perrin, at the helm of Cartier, launched a steel Santos accented with gold, more affordable than the solid gold versions, whose integrated bracelet echoed the screws on the bezel. In 1987, the House reworked this design and introduced the Santos Galbée, whose case and bracelet curve to follow the contour of the wrist. This small-sized Cartier Santos Galbée, reference 1567, is the smallest gold and steel version, powered by a quartz movement.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Santos Galbée
The brushed steel case measures 24 x 35 mm and its curved profile extends the line of the bracelet. The 18-carat yellow gold bezel is secured by eight steel screws, and the octagonal crown is set with a blue cabochon. Beneath the sapphire crystal, the off-white dial features Roman numerals, a railway-track minute track and blued sword-shaped hands. Cartier’s secret signature is hidden within the letter X. The case back, secured by eight screws, is engraved with ‘Water Resistant’, ‘Swiss Made’ and ‘750 Gold/Steel’. The quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping and requires only a periodic battery change. The brushed steel bracelet, featuring two yellow gold screws on each link, fastens with a concealed Cartier-signed folding clasp, which is also engraved with ‘Or 750/Acier’.
Why this Cartier watch
The Santos Galbée is no longer in Cartier’s catalogue, and the second-hand market remains the only way to acquire this 1987 model, which has more rounded shapes than the current Santos. Its 24 mm-wide case sits comfortably on slender wrists and slips easily under a cuff, whilst the gold of the bezel and screws adds a warm touch without weighing down the overall look. The quartz movement means no winding is required; the watch remains accurate even after several days in a drawer. This gold-and-steel combination, with its light-coloured dial and Roman numerals, echoes the design that made the 1978 Santos such a success and looks just as good with office attire as it does with a piece of yellow gold jewellery.
Contents and condition
This watch has just been polished, restoring a uniform brushed finish to the case and bracelet and bringing the bezel back to its original lustre. The surfaces show only slight signs of wear, visible only at very close quarters, and the bracelet retains its shape along its entire length. It is supplied in its red Cartier pouch, without the original box or papers. You will therefore receive a Santos Galbée ready to wear upon receipt, having been inspected by our team prior to dispatch.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
*Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
