Cartier Santos Mini-Octagon Steel & Gold automatic 25 mm

The story

The Cartier Santos traces its origins back to the Cartier Santos-Dumont, created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to read the time while in flight. In the 1970s, Alain-Dominique Perrin, then Cartier’s marketing director, decided to give the Santos its first true redesign in over 60 years, renaming it the Santos de Cartier. The watch evolved, featuring a screwed-in bezel and an integrated metal bracelet instead of the traditional leather strap. Cartier also added 18k gold accents to the case and bracelet, giving the model a luxurious touch. This bold decision for the era sparked a major trend — that of the two-tone sports watch. Launched in 1978, the model was soon followed by an all-steel version, which became hugely popular throughout the 1980s.

In this creative momentum, the Santos Octagon was born in 1984. Retaining the DNA of the original Santos, it introduced a more geometric, distinctive design, with an octagonal case softened by rounded edges and a gold bezel secured by visible screws. This daring reinterpretation marked a new step in Cartier’s design language — a timepiece that was both architectural and elegant, blending sportiness, finesse, and Parisian refinement.

Produced in several sizes and configurations — steel, gold, or two-tone — the 25 mm Santos Octagon, like the one presented here, stands out for its perfect balance and understated charm. At a time when Cartier was reinventing its horological identity, this model became a symbol of 1980s luxury: chic, timeless, and unmistakably Cartier.

The model

The Cartier Santos Octagon ref. 0907 perfectly embodies the charm of late 20th-century Cartier creations. Measuring 25 mm in diameter, this model is designed for those seeking an elegant, discreet, and quintessentially Parisian timepiece. Its stainless steel case, topped with a 750/1000 yellow gold bezel held by eight visible screws, retains the signature Santos codes while adding softness through its polished octagonal shape.

The dial displays Cartier’s unmistakable style: a white opaline background, black Roman numerals, a minute track, and blued sword-shaped hands protected by a flat sapphire crystal. At three o’clock, the signature blue cabochon-set crown adds a jewelry touch that highlights Cartier’s dual heritage of watchmaking and fine craftsmanship.

The integrated two-tone bracelet, combining steel and yellow gold links punctuated by visible screws, echoes the design of the bezel and ensures visual harmony between case and wrist. Lightweight and supple, it offers remarkable comfort while giving the watch a look that is both sporty and refined.

This automatic version — rarer than the quartz editions produced during the same period — further enhances its appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. It preserves all the charm of the original Santos in a compact, subtly vintage format that remains deeply elegant.

The package

This Cartier Mini Santos Octagon ref. 0907 is presented in excellent overall condition, reflecting the care taken in its preservation. It has undergone a full service in our workshop, including meticulous polishing and satin finishing, ensuring flawless operation and its original shine.

It is delivered on its own, as is often the case with watches from this era, without its original box or papers, but comes with the full confidence of our expertise.

Like all timepieces in our Lepage Vintage selection, it is covered by a one-year warranty, offering its next owner complete peace of mind — a Santos Octagon ready to stand the test of time once again with elegance.