Cartier Santos Galbée 2423 2017 [Preowned]

Overview 

The Santos Galbée is not the same watch as the current Santos de Cartier. Where the modern reference presents an architectural, flat-planed case, the Galbée takes its name from its curved construction: "galbée" in French describes the gentle arc of the case and lugs that conforms to the wrist rather than sitting above it. The 2423 is the 24mm all-steel iteration of that design, now discontinued, which means secondary market acquisition is the only route to ownership.

The case is stainless steel, 24mm, with the Galbée's characteristic curved profile and exposed screws securing the bezel. The silvered dial carries Cartier's established design vocabulary: bold Roman numerals, a chemin-de-fer (railway track) minute chapter ring around the perimeter, and blued sword-shaped hands. The chemin-de-fer is a Cartier detail shared across the Tank, Santos, and Ballon Bleu families; on a 24mm dial, it provides precise visual structure without crowding the surface. The all-steel construction reads cooler and more understated than the two-tone Galbée variants.

The movement is Swiss quartz. At this case size and at this reference's position, quartz is the correct specification: it delivers consistent accuracy without the service requirements of a mechanical movement, and it keeps the case profile slim. The integrated bracelet is specific to the Galbée's curved case geometry; the articulation of the links follows the same arc as the case, which is why the Galbée wears differently from a flat-cased Santos on a flat bracelet.

Discontinued Cartier references hold value through scarcity and documentation. The 2423 is no longer produced, and complete-set examples with papers carry a provenance premium over undocumented pieces on the secondary market. We are currently seeing Santos Galbée examples in this condition trade at pricing consistent with this ask; the curved case, specific bracelet geometry, and chemin-de-fer dial make this a distinct piece from anything currently in production. This piece fits wrists of approximately 14.5cm and smaller. Preowned, excellent condition, complete with original box and papers dated April 2017, at RM19,000.

Specifications

Brand :	Cartier
Model Name :	Santos de Cartier Galbée
Reference :	W20054D6 / 2423
Material	Stainless Steel
Movement :	Cartier Calibre 077 42 Hours Power Reserve
Case Diameter :	24mm x 24mm
Bracelet / Strap :	Stainless Steel
Features :	30 meters depth rating.

Condition

Preowned, Excellent Condition, Complete Original Set with Box and Papers dated April 2017. Fits wrists 14.5cm and smaller

Warranty

1 year warranty from SCW.