Cartier Santos Octagon LM, Ref. 2966, in steel and 18k gold. This rare example features a burgundy lacquer dial — highly sought after, as most were produced with white dials with Roman numerals.

From the front, the dial presents perfectly. When tilted at an angle and caught under the right light reflection, natural hairline cracks in the lacquer’s top coating become visible, forming the characteristic “spidering” pattern, which is not uncommon in vintage lacquer dials.

Automatic with a date view at 3 o’clock. Case dia. 29mm wide excl. the crown. Circa 1980s.