1940s Cartier Watch
Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches
Palladium
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1930s American Desk Accessories
14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches
Platinum
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches
18k Gold
1940s Cartier Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 1940s Cartier Watch?
Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
- Are Cartier watches respected?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, Cartier watches are respected by many collectors due to their innovative designs, reliable mechanisms and fine craftsmanship. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch—one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Louis Cartier designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, the popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying. Another of Cartier’s famous timepieces is the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Cartier watches.
- Is a Cartier watch worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024Many watch lovers believe that Cartier watches are worth it. The French luxury house is one of the most well-known and internationally revered watchmakers in the world. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wrist watches for men. Cartier’s other famous watches include the Tank watch, inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. 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 for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a range of Cartier watches that are highly iconic to the brand. The Cartier Tank watch is one of the classic options. The Panthère de Cartier and Clé de Cartier watches are also popular pieces. Shop a range of authentic Cartier watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier a watch company?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Yes, Cartier is a watch company. It also produces jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories. For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, 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 be able to check the time more easily while flying. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Cartier watches.
- 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. - Is Cartier a luxury watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier watches are considered luxury watches. Cartier is a noted jeweler, taking that attention to detail and access to high-quality metals and jewels to their watches—they spare no expense and are highly desirable. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Which Cartier watch is the most iconic is open to debate. One of the French luxury brand's most influential watches is the Cartier Tank, which debuted in 1917. A women's watch, the Cartier Panthere is another of the brand's legendary designs. It was introduced in 1914, and its original design drew inspiration from a painting of a panther by artist George Barbier. Shop a large collection of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What Cartier watch is the most famous is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some well-known watches produced by the French luxury brand include the Tank Solo, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier, the Tank Anglaise, the Crash and the Clé De Cartier. Find a selection of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Cartier watches popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024While trends in collecting do change over time, Cartier watches generally remain popular. The luxury maker produces 400,000 to 500,000 timepieces per year and was the second-largest luxury maker in terms of gross sales after Rolex in several years, including 2023. Some of the best-known Cartier watches are the Cartier Tank, the Panthère de Cartier, the Santos de Cartier, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, the Calibre de Cartier, the Drive de Cartier and the Pasha de Cartier. Find a wide range of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
- What is a 1940s style dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell what year your Cartier watch was made, you can typically look at the serial number on the back. On most timepieces, the first two digits correspond to the year of production. For example, a serial number starting with 87 would indicate a watch made in 1987. Experts suggest working with a professional in the field of vintage fashion when it comes to determining the age of a Cartier watch. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cartier watches.
- Do Cartier watches hold value?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Cartier watches hold their value. In fact, some Cartier watches will go on to be worth more on the preowned market than when they were first purchased.
- Is Cartier a high end watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Yes, Cartier is a high-end watch brand. In fact, Cartier is one of the leading luxury watchmakers in the world. Cartier uses reliable movements in its timepieces and crafts its watches out of fine materials like white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum and palladium. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Cartier watches.
- Were there watches in the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, there were watches in the 1960s. The first recorded wristwatch dates back to 1868, when Patek Philippe, a watchmaker founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Shop a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024The watch that the Cartier Crash may have been based on is the Cartier Maxi Oval, also known as the Baignoire Allongée. One theory is that the watch's creators, Jean-Jacques Cartier and Rupert Emmerson, became inspired to create the Crash after seeing a damaged Maxi Oval that a customer brought in after he was involved in a car accident. Another theory is that the designers drew inspiration from Salvador Dalí's famous work, The Persistence of Memory. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, a Cartier watch can last a lifetime, provided that you care for and maintain it properly. Most Cartier watches need servicing by an authorized repair person at least once every three years. Follow the maintenance schedule included with your watch for the best results. In addition, heed the care and cleaning advice provided by Cartier to help your watch stand the test of time. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Cartier watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Cartier watches are not made in Paris. While Cartier’s head office is located in Paris, Cartier watches are crafted in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. This area of Switzerland is known for its high-quality watchmaking. Shop a wide range of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a Cartier watch is real, turn the watch over and examine the markings on the back of the case. A real Cartier timepiece shows the brand logo in the correct font along with the words "Swiss Made." Also, ensure that the materials, movement and water-resistance details match the actual specifications of the watch. Find a range of expertly vetted Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
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