Cartier, founded in 1847, has a reputation for creating exquisite jewelry, but it is also known for its high-end luxury watches.
Whether you’re new to the world of Cartier or a seasoned collector, it’s worth noting that the brand offers an array of iconic watches to choose from, providing endless opportunities to expand your collection. Hodinkee editors even remarked that the Cartier back catalog boasts a dazzling array of watch shapes, more numerous than the types of pasta noodles. This comparison is a testament to the rich variety and creativity of Cartier’s designs, which span a wide range of styles and eras. From classic dress watches to innovative and technically advanced timepieces, there is a wide range of Cartier watch options to choose from to suit every taste and style.
Santos De Cartier – 1904
The Cartier Santos watch was first invented in 1904 for pilots, coined as the Santos Dumont, and was later introduced to the public in 1911 as one of the first mass productions of a men’s wristwatch. Later on, in the late 1970s, the Santos got a remake into a two-tone watch featuring steel and gold accents, making it more affordable to a larger audience. Since its inception, many Santos versions have been made that have different dial shapes.
The Santos models made after 1987 are known as Galbees, however, in 2018, Cartier introduced a new and improved collection of Santos watches in several sizes. The Santos Dumont line today is a little more dressy, often featuring a leather bracelet, versus the Santos line which is more sporty.
Cartier Baignoire – 1912
The Cartier Baignoire watch collection is an iconic and distinctive collection that takes its inspiration from a bathtub, or “baignoire” in French. Introduced in 1912, the Baignoire watch features an elongated oval case, offering a unique and feminine appearance. The collection is available in various materials, including gold, steel, and diamond-paved versions, making it a versatile timepiece suitable for any occasion. The dial of the Baignoire watch is often decorated with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, offering a classic and elegant appearance.
The Cartier Baignoire watch collection is a perfect representation of Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and design, offering a perfect balance of style and function. The collection is a popular choice among women who appreciate feminine and distinctive timepieces, making it a true icon of luxury and sophistication.
Cartier Tortue – 1912
The Cartier Tortue watch collection is a classic and elegant collection that was first introduced in 1912. The collection features a unique and distinctively curved shape that resembles a tortoise shell. The Tortue watch’s case is often made of gold and features curved edges and a distinctive shape that offers a classic and refined appeal. The dial of the Tortue watch is often decorated with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, offering a sophisticated and timeless appearance.
The collection includes both quartz and manual winding movement watches, offering a range of options for different preferences. The Tortue watch is available in a variety of sizes and materials, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate the combination of luxury and classic design.
Cartier Tank – 1917
Arguably, when one thinks of Cartier watches, one immediately recalls all the different Cartier Tank styles. First introduced in 1917, the Tank watch was designed by Louis Cartier himself, drawing inspiration from the armored vehicles he saw during World War I. The Tank watch features a unique rectangular case with a clean, minimalist design that has become a hallmark of the collection.
Over the years, Cartier has released various iterations of the Tank, including the Tank Francaise, the Tank Solo, and the Tank Anglaise, each with its own distinct style and personality. The Tank watch has been worn by some of the most influential people in history, from John F. Kennedy to Princess Diana, cementing its status as a true icon of luxury and elegance.
Trinity De Cartier – 1924
The Trinity De Cartier watch collection is a unique and distinctive collection that pays homage to Cartier’s iconic Trinity ring, which was first introduced in 1924. Like the Trinity ring, the Trinity watch is made up of three intertwined bands, each representing a different aspect of a relationship: love, loyalty, and friendship.
The Trinity De Cartier watch features a dial with three rings, some in different colors such as pink gold, white gold, and yellow gold. These colors represent the same three aspects of a relationship. The collection is a true icon of luxury and romance, appreciated by those who seek a timepiece that represents the enduring bonds of love and friendship.
Cartier Panthere – 1983
The Cartier Panthere is one of the most iconic ladies’ watches. The panther for Cartier has become the symbol of the brand, inspired by a watercolor painting of a woman with a panther by George Barbier. The first “Panther” piece was made in 1914 and was a bracelet watch set with onyx and diamonds. It wasn’t until 1983 that the Cartier Panthere watch collection was launched. In the early 2000s, the line was discontinued but then reintroduced in 2017 in two core sizes, Small and Medium.
Pasha De Cartier – 1985
The Cartier Pasha watch collection is a classic and iconic collection that was first introduced in 1985. The Pasha watch features a distinctive round case with a protective grille over the crown, inspired by a vintage Cartier watch created for the Pasha of Marrakesh in the 1930s. The collection is available in various materials, including gold, steel, and diamond-paved versions, making it a versatile and luxurious timepiece suitable for any occasion. The dial of the Pasha watch is often decorated with Arabic numerals, sword-shaped hands, and a date window, offering a classic and timeless appearance.
Cartier Roadster – 2002
The Cartier Roadster watch collection is a distinctive and stylish collection that was first introduced in 2002. The collection draws inspiration from the world of automotive racing, featuring a sporty and aerodynamic design. The Roadster watch features a tonneau-shaped case with rounded edges, resembling the curves of a race car. The case is often made of stainless steel and is available in various sizes, making it a versatile timepiece suitable for both men and women.
Rotonde De Cartier – 2006
The Cartier Rotonde watch collection is a symbol of Cartier’s exceptional watchmaking expertise and artistic excellence. Introduced in 2006, the Rotonde watch features a classic round case with a complex and intricate movement. The collection offers a variety of complications, including a perpetual calendar, tourbillon, and chronograph, showcasing the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Rotonde watch is available in a range of materials, including gold, platinum, and diamond-paved versions, offering a perfect balance of elegance and functionality. The dial of the Rotonde watch is often ornately decorated, showcasing Cartier’s artistic heritage and expertise in fine jewelry.
Cartier La Dona – 2006
The Cartier La Dona watch collection is a luxurious and elegant collection that is inspired by the shape of a woman’s wrist. Introduced in 2006, the La Dona watch features a curved case that sits comfortably on the wrist, creating a sleek and feminine silhouette. The case is often adorned with diamonds or other precious stones, adding to the watch’s luxurious and sophisticated appearance.
The collection includes both small and large sizes, making it a popular choice among women of different wrist sizes. The dial of the La Dona watch is often decorated with Roman numerals, sword-shaped hands, and a date window, offering a classic and timeless appearance.
Ballon De Cartier – 2007
Introduced in 2007, the Ballon De Cartier watch features a perfectly round case with a prominent and playful crown resembling a miniature balloon. Models include the Ballon Bleu and the Ballon Blanc. The Ballon Bleu watch has a distinctive dial with Roman numerals and a date window, adding to its classic and refined appearance for both men and women.
The Cartier Ballon Blanc watch collection is a quintessential representation of the brand’s elegance and luxury and the more feminine variant of the Ballon line. Launched in 2007, the Ballon Blanc watch features a distinct and unique round case with a stunning floating diamond resembling a balloon in flight.
Ronde De Cartier – 2009
The Cartier Ronde watch collection is a classic and timeless collection that exemplifies Cartier’s iconic style. With new editions that debuted in 2009, the Ronde watch features a circular case with a clean and minimalistic dial, available in a range of sizes, materials, and finishes. The Ronde watch is often adorned with Cartier’s signature blue sapphire cabochon on the crown, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
The Cartier Ronde watch collection is a testament to Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The collection is a popular choice among those who appreciate classic and understated designs, making it a true icon of luxury and style.
Cle De Cartier – 2015
The Cartier Cle watch collection is a relatively new addition to Cartier’s line of timepieces, first introduced in 2015. The name Cle, which means “key” in French, refers to the innovative winding mechanism that allows the wearer to set the time and date with just a simple twist of the key-shaped crown. The Cle watch features a round case with smooth, flowing lines, giving it a modern and sleek appearance. The dial is available in various colors and finishes, including a diamond-paved version for added elegance.
The Cartier Cle watch also boasts exceptional accuracy and reliability thanks to its automatic movement and superior craftsmanship. The Cle watch is a testament to Cartier’s commitment to innovation and luxury, offering a contemporary twist on a classic timepiece design.
Drive De Cartier – 2016
The Cartier Drive watch is a refined and vintage automotive-inspired wristwatch style featuring a movement made in-house. Old radiator grills inspire the guilloche on the dial, and the crown of the Drive is inspired by the bolts used to hold a car together.
With the success of the round Ballon de Cartier watches, the Drive debuted via a campaign targeting exclusively men featuring Jake Gyllenhall. Upon release, it was offered in a range of dial variants, such as the Moon Phase and the Extra Flat Drive, launched later in 2017. Most Cartier Drive models are discontinued now, but Cartier still offers the Drive de Cartier Flying Tourbillon watch on their site, and you can always shop all Cartier watches (discontinued or not) at FASHIONPHILE.
Cartier Libre – 2018
The Cartier Libre watch collection is a stunning and unique collection that offers a creative twist on Cartier’s classic designs. Introduced in 2018, the Libre watch collection features bold and avant-garde designs, showcasing Cartier’s innovative spirit and artistic vision. The collection offers a range of styles, including both men’s and women’s watches, available in various materials such as gold, platinum, and diamond-paved versions. The dials of the Libre watches are often elaborately decorated, featuring complex shapes and designs, such as a panther or a dragon.
There are so many styles to choose from when shopping for Cartier watches in the pre-loved market. At FASHIONPHILE, you can find both current Cartier styles as well as rare, discontinued models. From the Panthere to the Tank, Cartier offers an array of iconic watches, providing endless opportunities to expand your ultra-luxury collection.
Honorable Mentions:
Tonneau – 1906
The Cartier Tonneau watch collection is a timeless and elegant collection that was first introduced in 1906. The collection features a distinctive and curved barrel-shaped case that is both stylish and unique. The Tonneau watch’s case is often made of gold and features curved edges and a streamlined appearance that offers a classic and timeless appeal.
Crash – 1967
A favorite amongst celebrities like Jay Z, the Cartier Crash is probably the most distinctive of all the Cartier watch collections. The Crash is an avant-garde collection that was first introduced in 1967. The collection’s unique and irregular shape is inspired by a watch that was salvaged from a car crash and melted in the heat. The Crash watch’s case is often made of gold and features a unique asymmetrical shape, which adds to its unconventional and artistic appearance. The dial of the Crash watch is often decorated with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, offering a classic and timeless appearance. The collection includes both quartz and manual winding movement watches, offering a range of options for different preferences. The Crash watch is available in a variety of sizes and materials too, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate the combination of art and luxury. The Cartier Crash watch collection is a perfect representation of Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and design, offering a unique and daring timepiece that is both unconventional and distinctive.
Hypnose – 2015
Hypnotic Hypnose, anyone? A unique and mesmerizing timepiece, the Cartier Hypnose watch collection is a stunning and elegant collection that was first introduced in 2015. The collection features a unique oval-shaped case that is inspired by the mesmerizing effect of a spiral. The Hypnose watch’s case is often adorned with diamonds or other precious stones, adding to its luxurious and sophisticated appearance. The oval-shaped dial of the Hypnose watch is often decorated with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, offering a classic and timeless appearance. The collection includes both quartz and automatic movement watches, offering a range of options for different preferences. The Hypnose watch is available in a variety of sizes and materials, making it a popular choice among women who appreciate the combination of elegance and luxury.
Maillon De Cartier – 2020
The Cartier Maillon watch collection is a relatively new addition to the Cartier family, introduced in 2020. The collection takes its inspiration from the Maillon Panthere bracelet, which was first launched by Cartier in the 1980s. The Maillon watch features a unique link bracelet design that creates a seamless and fluid appearance, resulting in a striking and modern aesthetic. The square-shaped case is available in a variety of sizes and materials, including gold, stainless steel, and diamond-set options. The dial of the Maillon watch is clean and minimal, with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, offering a sophisticated and timeless appeal. The Maillon watch collection is a stunning example of Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, seamlessly blending the brand’s rich history with a contemporary edge.
Cartier Coussin – 2022
The Cartier Coussin watch collection is a stunning and sophisticated collection that draws inspiration from the brand’s rich history. The Coussin watch features a distinctive square case with rounded edges, reminiscent of a cushion or “coussin” in French. The collection offers a range of styles, including both men’s and women’s watches, available in various materials such as gold, steel, and diamond-paved versions. The dial of the Coussin watch is clean and minimal, with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, offering a classic and timeless appearance. The Cartier Coussin watch collection is a perfect representation of Cartier’s exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering a perfect blend of style and function.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, a Cartier watch is an investment in quality and sophistication that will never go out of fashion. So if you’re looking for a timepiece that exudes refinement and refinement, look no further than Cartier. If you’re considering adding another timepiece to your collection, you might want to look at this post, which explores a variety of Rolex watches you can choose from.
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