Full-size Santos Octagon in yellow gold and how about that Burgundy lacquered dial with a royal emblem.

In the early 20th Century, Louis Cartier introduced a bold geometric style at the company founded by his grandfather half a century earlier. The Santos Octagon is the perfect example.

The classic Cartier Santos was designed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, the Brazilian aviation pioneer, Alberto Santos-Dumont. The pocket watches that preceded it and many wrist watches that followed it were round with fluid details. The Santos, in contrast, had a strong and utilitarian aesthetic, with a square case and visible screws on the bezel. These design elements would be reintroduced almost 70 years later by Gerald Genta in the Royal Oak. In the 1990s, Cartier reimagined the Santos by replacing its square case with an octagonal one and a matching octagonal bezel, possibly as a nod to the Royal Oak.

Most Santos Octagons were executed in two-tone, but this one is made from 18k yellow-gold. The eight-sided case has a width of 30mm (excluding the crown) but due to the extending lugs and integrated bracelet, the watch wears larger, making it suitable for most and men. This ref. 2965 is the most collectible reference in the Santos Octagon line-up. Curiously, for this special execution there is an 8 added in front of there reference number, displayed on the caseback. The distinctive ‘screwed’ Santos bracelet with rectangular links wears like a beautiful piece of jewelry. We particularly love the deep engraved interlocking “C” Cartier logo on the clasp of the bracelet.

We have saved the best for last: the burgundy dial. This piece, commissioned by the Omani Royal family, sports a contrasting Khanjar crest at the 6 o'clock position. The date window is also framed with yellow printing. Furthermore it is signed "Swiss" at the bottom. We have seen a similar piece for sale at Roman Sharf's Luxury Bazar, but in lady size; this is the first to come on the market in the biggest execution.