Cartier Watches
King Edward VII of England called Cartier the “jeweler of kings and king of jewelers.” Established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the French maison was from its beginnings a darling of the aristocracy. But Cartier is also known for its luxury watches. It was the founder’s grandson, Louis Cartier, who cemented its reputation as a trendsetting watchmaker. In 1904, he made one of the first men's wristwatches for a friend, Brazilian coffee-plantation heir Alberto Santos-Dumont.
Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont, a pioneering aviator, found his own hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.
Deemed daring and modern, men’s wristwatches became a vogue among the elite. Capitalizing on his success, Louis released the Tonneau in 1906. Its barrel-shaped case, another departure from the traditional round pocket watch, was embraced by other savvy watchmakers and remains a perennial favorite.
However, the Tonneau was soon eclipsed by Louis’s most iconic design. During the First World War, he was so impressed by the Renault tanks he saw on the Western Front that in 1917, he created a watch inspired by their industrial forms — the Cartier Tank watch.
Louis’s inventive streak didn’t stop at men’s watches. In 1906, he took a traditional round ladies’ case and stretched it into an elegant oval. The style was later dubbed the Baignoire for its resemblance to the elongated curves of a bathtub. In 1914, he commissioned artist George Barbier to illustrate an invitation to an upcoming exhibition. The resulting Dame à la panthère marked the debut of the animal that would become synonymous with the house.
That same year, Cartier introduced its first jewel incorporating the panther motif: a diamond watch with onyx spots, the inspiration for the current women’s Panthère model. After Louis’s death, in 1942, his legacy continued in the brand’s penchant for timepieces with unusual shapes. Its ultimate expression may be the Dalí-esque Crash watch, introduced in 1967 and said to be modeled on a Baignoire pulled from a car wreck.
Browse an expansive collection of unique Cartier wristwatches and pocket watches today on 1stDibs.
1980s Swiss Vintage Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
Gold, Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s French Vintage Cartier Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
1990s French Contemporary Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Artisan Cartier Watches
Gold, Steel
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s French Cartier Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
1940s Vintage Cartier Watches
14k Gold
1950s Vintage Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Cartier Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1990s Cartier Watches
Yellow Gold
1970s Swiss Vintage Cartier Watches
White Gold
Early 2000s Cartier Watches
Diamond, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
1980s French Contemporary Vintage Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Cartier Watches
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century French Modern Cartier Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Modern Cartier Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Vintage Cartier Watches
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Swiss Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Cartier Watches
20th Century Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Swiss Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Cartier Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Early 2000s Swiss Cartier Watches
Diamond
Early 2000s Swiss Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
1990s Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary British Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier Watches
Rose Gold
20th Century Swiss Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Gold Plate
1950s French Retro Vintage Cartier Watches
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s French Cartier Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Cartier Watches
Gold
2010s Swiss Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Swiss Cartier Watches
Steel
20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Watches
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
Yellow Gold
Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs
Creators Similar to Cartier
- Are Cartier watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.
While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.
It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904.
Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.
Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023There are at least a few things that make Cartier so special. Cartier is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world. The French luxury brand has helped to define style trends. Cartier made one of the first modern wristwatches for men� the Santos de Cartier� and its panth�re motif and Love bracelet are internationally renowned. Every piece produced by Cartier is also carefully crafted out of high-quality materials. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Cartier pieces.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
- What is Cartier Vermeil?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier Vendôme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
- What is the Cartier logo?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The Cartier logo is a pair of interlocking Cs. However, many people associate the panther with the French luxury jewelry maker more than its actual logo. Louis Cartier incorporated the feline figure into its design lexicon. In 1914, Cartier hired illustrator George Barbier to design advertisements for the jewelry house. Barbier drafted a drawing that featured a glamorous woman with an elegant panther at her feet, and Cartier loved it. He had an additional connection to the panther in the form of his alleged romantic interest, fellow Cartier designer Jeanne Toussaint, who adored the animal so much that she decorated her apartment with furs and donned a coat of panther fur. Cartier gave her the long-lasting nickname Panthère. Since then, Cartier has offered watches, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and earrings inspired by the panther. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The most popular Cartier jewelry is open to debate. Because the French luxury jewelry maker has produced many iconic lines and style trends change over time, it can be difficult to state which is the most popular at any given moment. Some highly sought-after Cartier pieces include those from the Love, Trinity and Panthère de Cartier collections, as well as the Juste un Clou bracelet. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Cartier jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023There are a few things that are special about the Cartier Santos watch. One is its history. When it debuted in 1904, it was one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Louis Cartier designed the timepiece for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying. A unique feature of the Santos is that it comes with both a bracelet and a leather strap, plus a tool that lets you easily swap out the components. Also, many people appreciate the watch’s timeless details, which haven't changed much since its inception. Shop a large selection of Cartier Santos watches on 1stDibs.
- What is Cartier jewelry made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Cartier jewelry is made of a variety of carefully selected materials. For metals, the French luxury jewelry maker typically uses platinum or 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold. With respect to the color of its diamonds, Cartier selects diamonds from classes D through H to ensure that the gemstones are colorless and have little or no fluorescence. Some pieces feature genuine leather, Akoya pearls and other fine materials. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Cartier jewelry.
- How much is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
- Is Panthere designed by Cartier?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier Panthere is one of the brand's most distinctive and iconic shapes, replicating a panther head adorned with gems and jewels. The first panther pattern to appear in the Cartier line was on a watch for women, created in 1914. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry and watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
- Is Cartier a British company?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Cartier is not a British company. The luxury jewelry maker was founded in Paris in 1847. However, the brand was a jeweler to the British royals, with King Edward VII ordering 27 tiaras for his coronation. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What diamonds does Cartier use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Cartier exclusively uses diamonds from classes D through H to ensure that the gemstones are colorless and have little or no fluorescence. Their high standards contribute to the quality of the luxury jewelry maker's pieces. Shop a collection of Cartier diamonds from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- Does Cartier use platinum?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier uses platinum in the production of their jewelry and other items. In fact, Alfred Cartier and his three sons are credited with mastering this metal and creating a process that made it possible for jewelers to use this metal efficiently. Find vintage and contemporary Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is the Cartier screwdriver gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier website does not state whether the Love bracelet screwdriver is 18k gold like the bracelet. However, according to owners, the screwdriver is not gold but gold-plated. New screwdrivers can be purchased if you lose or break one or they may be replaced by Cartier. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cartier Love jewelry from top sellers around the world.
- Does Cartier have rings for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier sells rings for men. The luxury jewelry house produces numerous band rings, including the 1895 wedding band, the C DE, the Love and the D'Amour wedding band. In addition, the brand offers a ring version of its Trinity bracelet. The piece combines yellow, white and rose gold bands to symbolize love, friendship and fidelity. Find a selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier Crash for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Originally, the Cartier Crash was a watch designed for men. However, upon its reintroduction in 2012, the watch was also marketed towards women, with a gorgeous bracelet in either an 18k white gold or rose gold case and diamond crown. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Read More
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
The 6 Most Popular Brands for Luxury Watches
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.
The Personal Luxury Goods Market amid COVID-19
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.