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.
Perfect for boardroom meetings, evening dinners or weekend gallery visits, this vintage two-tone Cartier Santos Ronde adds refined polish. Its white Roman-numeral dial and blue sapphire cabochon crown complement tailoring and smart-casual attire for effortless everyday elegance.
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 exactly is this model? A: It is a vintage Cartier Santos Ronde, reference 8191, from 1981. This round‑cased variant of the Santos family features a 33 mm case in two‑tone stainless steel and 18‑carat yellow gold, a white Roman‑numeral dial, a blue sapphire cabochon crown and a quartz movement.
Q: Is 33 mm suitable for men and women? A: Yes. Collectors consider the Santos Ronde in this size to be unisex. The slender bezel and round case give it a versatile presence that wears well on a wide range of wrists.
Q: What wrist size does this bracelet fit, and can it be adjusted? A: The current bracelet fits up to approximately 18.5 cm. Links can typically be added or removed by a Cartier boutique or qualified watchmaker to achieve your preferred fit. If you need extra links, please contact us and we will advise on availability.
Q: Is it water‑resistant and can I swim with it? A: Many Santos Ronde references from this era were originally rated around 30 m (3 ATM). Given the watch’s age, we do not recommend swimming, showering or submerging it. Water‑resistance on any vintage piece can diminish over time; only a fresh service and pressure test can confirm current performance.
Q: How often will the battery need replacing? A: As a quartz Cartier, a battery service is typically due every 2–3 years. Cartier’s battery service includes gasket replacement and resealing, followed by functional and water‑resistance tests. Replace the battery promptly to avoid leakage and keep the movement in good health.
Q: When should I plan a full service? A: Cartier recommends a complete service roughly every five years, or sooner if timekeeping becomes irregular, moisture is seen under the crystal, or the crown feels stiff. A full service includes movement overhaul and case/bracelet care by an authorised workshop.
Q: What movement does it use? A: This model family was fitted with Cartier quartz calibres in period (for example, Calibre 81). Your piece is battery‑powered for convenient, highly accurate timekeeping without daily winding.
Q: What is included with this item? A: Everything that comes with the watch is listed in the product information section on this page. If an item such as a box, papers or spare links is not listed there, it is not included. You are welcome to contact us for confirmation.
Q: What is the condition? A: Very Good overall. There are scratches on the case, bezel and bracelet; the interior condition shows only light signs of use. Please review the photos for close‑ups and contact us for additional images or details.
Q: How do you authenticate this watch? A: Every piece at A Retro Tale undergoes rigorous multi‑point inspection by our in‑house experts, including analysis of the case, dial printing, crown and cabochon, movement, serial/reference numbers and bracelet construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide further documentation 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
/ Mens watches
• Two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold
• 33mm round case
• White dial with black Roman numerals
• Blue sapphire cabochon on the crown
• Quartz movement
• Vintage
