Question 1

Are Cartier watches respected?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 2

Is a Cartier watch worth it?

Accepted Answer

Many 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.

Question 3

What is the classic Cartier watch?

Accepted Answer

There 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.

Question 4

Is Cartier a watch company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 5

Are Cartier watches automatic?

Accepted 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.

Question 6

Which Cartier watch is the most iconic?

Accepted Answer

Which 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.

Question 7

Is Cartier a luxury watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 8

What is the most famous Cartier watch?

Accepted Answer

What 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.

Question 9

Are Cartier watches popular?

Accepted Answer

While 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.

Question 10

How can I tell what year my Cartier watch is?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 11

Do Cartier watches hold value?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 12

Is Cartier a high end watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 13

Are Cartier watches made in Paris?

Accepted Answer

No, 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.

Question 14

When was the Cartier Panthère watch discontinued?

Accepted Answer

The Cartier Panthère watch was discontinued in 2004, a bit more than 20 years after its debut. In 2017, however, the leading French luxury brand reintroduced the celebrated timepiece in yellow gold, rose gold and other metals as well as in a selection of finishes.

Today, vintage models are in high demand while contemporary editions from the current Cartier de Panthère collection represent a welcome return to a widely loved classic.

A woman of remarkable vision and style, Cartier jewelry designer Jeanne Toussaint was nicknamed “Petite Panthère” by Louis Cartier. Her panther motif was the basis for one of the jewelry house’s most legendary collections, which includes the Panthère de Cartier watch, introduced in 1983.

The Panthère is popular among celebrities, from pop queen Madonna to It girls like Zendaya and Bella Hadid. A statement piece that captures the spirit of classic design and boundary-pushing innovation, the Panthère watch has been a luxurious timepiece of choice from the 1980s to today.

Find vintage Cartier Panthère watches and other Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can I tell if my Cartier watch is real?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 16

How can I tell what model my Cartier watch is?

Accepted Answer

To tell the model of your Cartier watch, locate its model number. On most timepieces, you'll find this eight-digit code on the back of the case. It also appears on the warranty card. Once you have the number, you can use trusted online resources to identify your watch. Find a large collection of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How many Cartier Crash watches are there?

Accepted Answer

There are six styles of Cartier Crash watches. They are the London crash released in 1967, the Paris Crash released in 1991, the women's Crash released in 2013, the Crash Skeleton released in 2015, the Crash Radieuse released in 2018 and the Crash Bond Street released in 2019. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier watches.

Question 18

Do Cartier watches need servicing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cartier watches do need servicing roughly every five years. Servicing should include disassembly of the watch, cleaning of the case and metal bracelet and movement refurbishment. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of expertly vetted Cartier watches from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 19

How do I know what Cartier Tank watch I have?

Accepted Answer

The best way to know what Cartier Tank watch you have is to check the serial number on the back of the case. Cartier customer service can look up the number for you and provide you with detailed information about your timepiece. Check the official Cartier website for the latest contact information. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier Tank watches.

Question 20

Who wears a Cartier Tank watch?

Accepted Answer

Many celebrities and notable figures wear Cartier Tank watches. Some famous people who photographers have captured wearing the timepieces include Jeff Goldblum, Rami Malek, Tom Holland, Dan Levy, Robert Pattinson and Jason Momoa. But anyone can wear a Cartier Tank watch. Crafted in 1917, one year before the Great War came to a close, Cartier’s Tank watch reportedly borrowed its clean, sharp lines and boxy silhouette from France’s legendary Renault FT-17 light tank, itself a compact and extraordinary design that inspired numerous copies. Find a variety of Cartier Tank watches on 1stDibs.

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