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Are vintage Cartier watches a good investment?
1 Answer

Many watch lovers believe that vintage Cartier watches are a good investment. French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the best-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, many people only used pocket watches.) Louis Cartier designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to check the time more easily while flying. Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, inspired by the linear forms of World War I military tanks, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Cartier watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Cartier watches and other watches on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
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Shop for Cartier Watches on 1stDibs
Cartier 1990 Montre Or Jaune Baignoire PM Yellow Gold Casque d Or Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier watch circa 1990 Baignoire model in yellow gold, oval case (legendary), white dial with Roman numerals, quartz movement, blued steel hands, winding mechanism or crown decorat...
Category
1990s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
$27,141
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Cartier Tank Louis 18k Men's Watch With Original Box
By Cartier
Located in Vaughan, CA
Cartier Tank Louis 80786 Men's watch.
18k case and bezel.
White dial with blue Cartier hands and black roman numerals.
Manual winding.
Case size: 23 mm x 30 mm
Two piece Cartier blac...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Cartier Santos Ronde 1561 Stainless Steel White Dial Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 1561 Stainless Steel Santos Ronde White Dial Watch, a refined timepiece showcasing Cartier’s timeless elegance. This model features a crisp white dial with classic black Roma...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Cartier Vendome 18k Gold Watch Ref. 8100
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1980s Cartier Vendôme 18k Gold Dial Ref. 8100, a rare and elegant timepiece that epitomizes Cartier’s refined design language of the era. The watch features white dial, accen...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris diamond 18k yellow gold Baignoire watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Paris Baignoire watch from the 1980’s embodies timeless French elegance. Its iconic oval case in 18k yellow gold is framed by 60 sparkling diamonds of exceptiona...
Category
Vintage 1980s Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Cougar 26MM 887907 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier
Gender: Ladies
Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold
Diameter: 26.00 mm
Weight: 65.86 grams
Ladies 18K yellow gold diamond Cartier Swiss made wristwatch. Engraved with "18...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold