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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 Santos 40mm Black Steel Watch Ref. 271397BX
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Bold and unmistakably iconic, this Cartier Santos is a contemporary reinterpretation of a timeless classic. Featuring a 40mm black PVD-coated stainless steel case, this model offers ...
Category
2010s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Cartier Paris Roman dial vermeil Tank watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier watch pairs timeless design with a rich brown leather strap and 18k yellow gold case, offering refined elegance and everyday luxury.
Category
Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Stainless Steel & 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ballon Bleu 36
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: Automatic
Function: hours, minutes, seconds
Case: 36 mm rectangular case, smooth bezel
Dial: white, roman
Band: stainless steel & 18K yellow gold bracelet, deployment clasp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Américaine watch with diamond bezel and bracelet in 18K yellow gold, featuring a rectangular 19 x 34.5mm case and quartz movement. Designed with timeless Roman numerals ...
Category
1990s Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Must de Cartier Marques et Model Déposés 21 Quartz Watch W10050F4
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Must 21 W10050F4 Watch SSYG Silver/Gold Quartz Ladies Ivory Dial
A Refined Synthesis of Elegance and PrecisionAdd a touch of classic luxury to your wrist with this Must de C...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Quartz, Gold, Silver, Stainless Steel
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Solo Large
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: Automatic
Function: hours, minutes
Case: 28mm, smooth bezel
Dial: white, roman
Band: Cartier black leather strap, integrated clasp
Serial #: 858XXXLX
Reference: 2XXX
No bo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel