Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Are Cartier watches automatic?
1 Answer
Yes, 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.
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 ExpertMay 1, 2024
Related Questions
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer
- What is Cartier Vermeil?1 Answer
- What is Cartier Vendôme?1 Answer
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer
Shop for Cartier Watches on 1stDibs
Cartier Baignoire 18K Yellow Gold with Three Row Diamonds Bezel Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Baignoire
18K Yellow Gold with Three Row Diamonds Bezel
Quartz Movement
22 x 33 mm case
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 1330
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Watch: Cartier Must De 21
Stock Number: CHW5409
Price: £995.00
A huge amount of watch for under £1000! Its a classic Cartier that won't cost the earth and looks the part.
31mm stai...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Free Shipping
Cartier 18K White Gold 28mm Panthere 1925 2323 Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Ladies fine and rare Cartier 18K White Gold Diamond Panthere 1925 Model Ref: 2323 Quartz Leather Watch.
Quartz movement, silvered engine-turned dial, cir...
Category
20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier by Piaget Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ladies Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A rare limited edition Cartier by Piaget watch showcasing a lapis lazuli dial and a brilliant diamond bezel. Diamonds are approximately 2.50 ca...
Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Santos 100XL Palladium W2020018
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A unique Santos 100XL open skeleton wristwatch crafted in palladium by Cartier. Featuring a stunning skeleton dial that gives you a closer look at the mec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
Materials
Palladium
Cartier Ballon Bleu Stainless Steel 18 Carats Yellow Gold Pink Dial
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Ballon Bleu watch signed Cartier.
Bracelet : satinless steel and 18 carats yellow gold
Diameter : 36mm
Dimensions of the watch : 36 x 36 x 11.2 mm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel