Cartier - Santos de Cartier - No reserve price - 4072 - Men - 2023

Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. 4072 – Automatic – Steel & Solid Gold – Full Set

A magnificent expression of one of Cartier’s most celebrated designs, this Santos de Cartier Ref. 4072 combines stainless steel with solid yellow gold in an elegant and unmistakably luxurious configuration. Its generously proportioned square case, silver Roman-numeral dial and beautifully integrated two-tone bracelet preserve the architectural identity that has made the Santos an enduring icon of modern watchmaking.

Technical Details

Brand: Cartier

Model: Santos de Cartier

Reference: 4072

Case: Stainless steel with solid yellow-gold bezel

Dimensions: Approximately 38 × 47 mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Silver dial with bold black Roman numerals and chemin-de-fer minute track

Hands: Cartier’s signature blued-steel sword-shaped hands

Crown: Faceted crown set with a blue cabochon

Movement: Swiss automatic Cartier movement

Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds and date

Date display: Framed aperture positioned at 6 o’clock

Bracelet: Original integrated stainless-steel and solid-gold Cartier bracelet

Clasp: Original concealed Cartier folding clasp

Wrist size: Suitable for a wrist of up to approximately 19 cm

Water resistance: Originally rated to 100 metres, but not tested

Accessories: Original Cartier presentation box, warranty card and instruction manual

Warranty card: Dated 25 February 2023

Condition Report

Grade B+ – Very good condition, with normal signs of wear.

The stainless-steel case, solid-gold bezel and integrated bracelet present surface scratches and fine marks consistent with regular use. These traces are especially visible on the polished gold bezel, as expected from a watch with broad polished surfaces. The silver dial, Roman numerals, blued hands and sapphire crystal remain highly attractive.

The case back bears a personalised name and date engraving. This engraving may potentially be removed or significantly reduced through professional polishing; however, the feasibility and final result should first be assessed by an experienced watchmaker or specialist according to the depth of the engraving.

The original bracelet retains its characteristic visible screw detailing and concealed Cartier clasp. The watch is accompanied by its original Cartier box, warranty card and instruction manual, making it a particularly complete and desirable set.

Although the case back indicates a water-resistance rating of 100 metres, the watch has not been pressure-tested. Water resistance is therefore not guaranteed, and contact with water should be avoided until it has been professionally tested and resealed.

Story & Heritage

The story of the Cartier Santos began in Paris during the pioneering age of aviation. In 1904, Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, the celebrated Brazilian aviator who needed to read the time while keeping both hands on the controls of his aircraft. The resulting creation became one of the earliest purpose-designed men’s wristwatches and established a design language that would remain recognisable for more than a century.

Its square form, rounded corners and visible screws were revolutionary—details inspired by the industrial energy and mechanical innovation of the early twentieth century. Over time, the Santos evolved from an instrument created for a daring aviator into one of the most enduring symbols of Cartier elegance.

This Ref. 4072 continues that heritage in a luxurious two-tone execution. The warmth of solid yellow gold contrasts beautifully with the cool character of stainless steel, while the silver dial, Roman numerals and blued-steel hands preserve the unmistakable codes of the Maison. The integrated bracelet flows naturally from the case, giving the watch a confident, architectural presence while remaining refined enough for formal wear.

More than a luxury watch, the Santos represents the meeting point between courage, innovation and timeless Parisian style. Offered as a complete set with its original Cartier box, warranty card and instruction manual, this example is an elegant opportunity to acquire one of the most historically important and instantly recognisable designs in watchmaking.

Internal Reference Number - Itm. 1068