[Album](https://imgur.com/a/WDf4wRz) [Timestamp](https://i.imgur.com/nohaAj6.jpg) Collectors rejoice! This is an absolute unicorn of a watch. Vintage Cartier is having its moment in the sun and collectors seem to have picked up on how special and rare some variants of these watches are. A quick glance at market activity for the last 6 months will show Cartier is the only one of the big Swiss watch brands which has appreciated in value (on average), with all other brands taking a fall. Some models, naturally, perform better than others. Rare dial variants in particular are experiencing a massive boom, as quantities and production numbers are hard to find information on, and nice examples seldom come up for sale. For example, the rare (yet, not as rare as this one) sister to this watch, nicknamed the “Grey Ghost” reference 2965 for it’s brushed grey dial has been absolutely exploding in price recently. Which brings us to this particular reference. It is nearly impossible to find information on it online. Black dial Cartiers seem to be exceedingly rare, and when you do find one it tends to be in solid gold. I have seen only two other two tone black dial in my months of searching, and right here on reddit no less. Here are some of my findings: [First spot](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/19aiesm/cartier_vintage_delight/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) [Second Sighting](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cartier/comments/14o3gm3/cartier_santos_octagon_2966_black_dial/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) [Another post from the same owner of the first post](https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOG5WTMQme/?igsh=ZDY5Z244d3F3cDc%3D) [Onyx dial diamond set Santos Octagon](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-rolex-patek-philippe-audemars-piguet/cartier-santos-octagonal-a-yellow-gold-and-diamond) [A black dial Santos Carree](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx6XIT7LkWj/?img_index=1) [Khanjar black dial Santos Carree](https://www.instagram.com/p/C4PyVv_vg3B/) [Khanjar black dial Santos Octagon in gold](https://www.ebay.com/itm/155865722454) I have reached out to many enthusiasts, collectors and sellers yet received no leads as to how many of these are in existence. I also wanted to inquire if the dial is Onyx (it seems to be) but have had no luck in doing so. In any case it’s an absolute stunner of a watch that will probably continue to appreciate as it is incredibly hard to come by. Condition: Watch has been in my possession for around 6 months during which time I have lightly worn it. The case shows minor signs of wear throughout, with no serious scratches or dings. The yellow gold bezel seems to be unpolished and free from any major scratches. I am happy to hop on a video call to show the condition of the watch. A few months back, when hand winding, the crown became loose due to the threads becoming stripped. I took it to my local watchmaker that specializes in Swiss brands and they procured a compatible (albeit more modern) crown directly from Cartier. This newer crown has an improved seal which should increase the water resistance. The movement was inspected and lightly serviced (oiled jewels, light cleaning). Timegrapher readings can be provided to prove the health of the movement. Service history prior to my ownership is unknown. Watch comes with no box or papers. Will include original crown. Sized currently to 6.25”/16cm wrist with sufficient extra links to accommodate wrists up to around 7”. Price: Asking a lightly negotiable ~~$5,999~~ $4,999 shipped to CONUS. Priced under comparable references in hopes of a quick sale. Reasonable offers entertained. Not interested in trades as I’m only selling to cover a recent purchase. Price includes next day shipping anywhere in CONUS. International buyers will have to cover shipping costs and all duties and fees. PayPal F&F preferred, G&S for well established members. Venmo, wise or bank wire are available options as well. Thank you for looking, please reach out with any questions. Photos taken on a Galaxy S24 Ultra with minor editing to contrast and exposure. No filters.