We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Elegantly sized for every day and evening, this vintage Cartier Santos Octagon 25mm in steel and yellow gold brings refined polish to any look. Perfect for boardroom meetings, gallery openings or dinner dates, its classic Roman‑numeral dial and sleek bracelet transition effortlessly from desk to drinks.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What are the key details of this Santos Octagon? A: It is a vintage Cartier Santos Octagon, reference 187903, with a 25 mm stainless steel case, an 18k yellow gold octagonal bezel with exposed screws, a cream dial with black Roman numerals, blued hands, a date at 3 o’clock, and a stainless steel bracelet with gold screws. It is powered by a quartz movement.
Q: How does the 25 mm size wear, and will it fit my wrist? A: The 25 mm Octagon is the small model and wears compact and elegant. This particular bracelet currently fits wrists up to 16.5 cm; links can be removed for a tighter fit. If you need extra length, additional links may be sourced separately, subject to availability.
Q: Is this watch unisex? A: Although historically marketed as a ladies’/small model, many collectors today wear vintage Cartier in smaller sizes. If you prefer a refined, discreet presence on the wrist, this 25 mm Octagon works beautifully regardless of gender.
Q: What movement does it have and how accurate is it? A: It uses a Cartier quartz movement, known for high day‑to‑day accuracy. Standard quartz watches typically run within about ±15 seconds per month under normal conditions. Many Cartier quartz calibres also feature an end‑of‑life indicator where the seconds hand jumps in four‑second steps when the battery is low.
Q: How long does the battery last and how is it replaced? A: Expect around 2–3 years on a fresh battery, depending on usage. Cartier recommends battery replacement by an authorised service centre; a proper battery service also includes gasket replacement and water‑resistance checks.
Q: Is it water‑resistant and can I swim with it? A: This reference is typically rated to 3 ATM (30 m). As a vintage piece, gasket ageing means water resistance cannot be guaranteed without recent pressure testing. We recommend avoiding swimming, showering, or submersion and keeping the crown fully pushed in during everyday wear.
Q: Does this bracelet have Cartier’s modern QuickSwitch or SmartLink systems? A: No. Those systems were introduced on the 2018‑onward Santos models. The vintage Octagon uses traditional links that a competent jeweller or watchmaker can size by adding or removing links.
Q: What crystal does it use and how should I care for it and the two‑tone finish? A: Most examples of this reference feature a sapphire crystal. For care, wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, lint‑free cloth; for a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a tiny amount of mild soap and a soft brush, ensuring the crown is fully secured and avoiding soaking. Avoid harsh chemicals and polishing compounds that can alter factory finishes.
Q: What is included with this watch and how do you authenticate it? A: This item is sold without accessories (no box, papers, or extras). A Retro Tale authenticates every piece through multi‑point inspections of case, dial, hands, movement, engravings, and serial/reference numbers; for this watch, the reference is 187903 and the serial is 27708. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide further details on request.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
/ Cartier
/ Watches
/ Womens watches
• Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold case, 25mm
• Octagonal 18k yellow gold bezel with screws
• Cream dial with black Roman numerals
• Date display at 3 o'clock
• Blue steel hands
• Quartz movement
• Stainless steel bracelet with gold screws
• Vintage
