The Cartier Santos Octagon ref. 2965 belongs to a fascinating period in Cartier’s history, when the Maison reinterpreted the signature Santos design through a more geometric and unconventional lens. Produced mainly throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the Octagon retains the collection’s most recognisable codes: exposed screws, integrated bracelet, and that unmistakable balance of sportiness and elegance, while introducing a sharply defined octagonal bezel that gives the watch a bolder, more architectural identity. It is a model increasingly appreciated today for being unmistakably Cartier, yet more unusual and less expected than the classic Santos versions.

The present example stands out with one of the most desirable configurations of all: a stunning ‘Swiss’ only burgundy dial preserved in truly exceptional condition. The colour is rich, vibrant, and beautifully even, and most importantly, the dial is free from cracks, scratches, or flaws, something especially noteworthy on this reference. Completing the watch is its MK1 bracelet, here in excellent condition and still showing very good tension, a detail that always matters on these integrated Cartier models.