Cartier Santos 2878 Roman Numeral Black Strap Stainless Steel Watch

Cartier Santos 2878 Roman Numeral Black Strap Stainless Steel Watch

This stunning Cartier Santos is in excellent pre-owned condition and ready to ship!

The Cartier Santos is one of the most significant watches in horological history, widely regarded as the world's first purpose-built wristwatch. Louis Cartier created the original Santos in 1904 for his aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed a timepiece he could read without taking his hands off the controls. The bold square case, exposed screws on the bezel, and integrated strap-to-case design have remained the hallmarks of the line ever since, making the Santos instantly recognizable more than a century after its debut.

This example measures 35.6mm × 44.2mm, a versatile size that sits confidently on a range of wrist sizes. The stainless steel case carries the characteristic visible screw accents and pairs with a black alligator-pattern leather strap finished with Cartier's signature deployant buckle, complete with the screw-head motif repeated across the Santos family. Roman numeral hour markers and the Cartier-signed crown with a blue sapphire cabochon round out the classic Santos aesthetic. Light brushing on the case is consistent with normal wear and entirely appropriate for a piece of this age — nothing that detracts from its presence.

The Santos occupies that rare position in a collection where it reads as both a dress watch and an everyday companion. It suits a business meeting as naturally as a weekend lunch, and the stainless steel construction means it wears without the anxiety of a precious-metal piece. For a first serious Cartier or a complement to an existing collection, this reference delivers the full Santos experience at a compelling price point.

Each piece is fully inspected and authenticated by Diamonds by Raymond Lee in Boca Raton.

Eligible merchandise may be returned within 14 calendar days of delivery, subject to our Return & Refund Policy. Custom or special-order pieces, and items engraved, sized or otherwise modified at your request, are final sale.

To request return authorization, email inquiry@diamondsbyraymondlee.com within the return window. Items must be unworn, in their original condition, and include all original packaging, certificates, accessories and gift items. Ship the return using a tracked, insured service no later than the 14th day after delivery. Customers pay return shipping and insurance.

Read our full Return & Refund Policy for all conditions and refund details.