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Cartier Paris Dial

Cartier Paris Tank Louis ref 7808. Manual Wind, 18K Yellow Gold, Mk2 Dial, c1980
Cartier Paris Tank Louis ref 7808. Manual Wind, 18K Yellow Gold, Mk2 Dial, c1980

Cartier Paris Tank Louis ref 7808. Manual Wind, 18K Yellow Gold, Mk2 Dial, c1980

By Cartier

Located in Canterbury, England

Notably, this example has the rare white Cartier Paris dial without hidden Cartier in the dial, also known as the pre-Cartier or pre-hidden Mk2 dial.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tonneau Paris Dial 18k YG Manual Winding 1980s
Cartier Tonneau Paris Dial 18k YG Manual Winding 1980s

Cartier Tonneau Paris Dial 18k YG Manual Winding 1980s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2265 Brand Cartier Model Tonneau Year 1980s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 26mm x 46mm Movement Manual WInding Service Yes Box No Papers No

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Cartier Vendome Rondo 18k White & Yellow Gold Paris Dial Watch
Cartier Vendome Rondo 18k White & Yellow Gold Paris Dial Watch

Cartier Vendome Rondo 18k White & Yellow Gold Paris Dial Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Inspired by the Cartier boutique at Place Vendôme in Paris, the Vendome collection reflects the brand's rich heritage.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k White Gold 1970s
Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k White Gold 1970s

Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k White Gold 1970s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2147 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis LM Reference 78086 Dial Paris Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet Leather Strap and 18k White Gold Cartier Deployant Diameter 23mm x 30mm Moveme...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Baignoire 78094 Double Step Pointed Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s
Cartier Baignoire 78094 Double Step Pointed Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s

Cartier Baignoire 78094 Double Step Pointed Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2132 Brand Cartier Model Baignoire Reference 78094 Year 1970 Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 23mm x 31.5mm Length N/A Movement Manual Windin...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s
Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s

Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2078 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis SM Reference 78087 Year 1970s Dial White and Paris Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 21mm x 28mm Length N/A Movement ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Cartier Paris 18k gold ladies watch with a Roman numeral dial and the classic Cartier style blue sword-shaped hour markers.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Santos Deux Or SM 78226 Paris Dial 18k WG/YG 1980s
Cartier Santos Deux Or SM 78226 Paris Dial 18k WG/YG 1980s

Cartier Santos Deux Or SM 78226 Paris Dial 18k WG/YG 1980s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Cartier Santos Deux Or SM 78226 Paris Dial 18k White & Yellow Gold 1980s SKU: 1366 This elegant Cartier Santos Deux Or from the 1980s showcases the maison’s signature two-tone arti...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Gondole 18K Gold Diamond Bezel White Dial Manual Wind Watch
Cartier Paris Gondole 18K Gold Diamond Bezel White Dial Manual Wind Watch

Cartier Paris Gondole 18K Gold Diamond Bezel White Dial Manual Wind Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Gondole manual wind watch in 18K yellow gold featuring oval case with diamond bezel and white dial with black Roman numerals.

Category

20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Tank 17011 Spider 'Paris' Dial 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary Buckle Watch
Cartier Tank 17011 Spider 'Paris' Dial 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary Buckle Watch

Cartier Tank 17011 Spider 'Paris' Dial 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary Buckle Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

This watch is crafted from 18k yellow gold and features the iconic Paris dial with Roman numerals, making Cartier instantly recognizable.

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Desk & Travel Clock – Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition – 1980s
Cartier Desk & Travel Clock – Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition – 1980s

Cartier Desk & Travel Clock – Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition – 1980s

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Key Details • Model: Cartier Desk & Travel Clock • Era: Mid‑1980s • Case Size: 50mm x 50mm • Case Material: Brass • Dial: Signed Cartier Paris • Hour Markers: Black Roman numerals •...

Category

Vintage 1980s European Desk Accessories

Recent Sales

Cartier Paris Tank Small Factory Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 366001
Cartier Paris Tank Small Factory Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 366001

Cartier Paris Tank Small Factory Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 366001

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

BRAND-Cartier MODEL-Paris Tank Ref# 366001 MOVEMENT-Quartz CASE-Gold-Plated CASE SIZE (WITHOUT CROWN)-21 BEZEL-Gold plated bezel CROWN-PUSH-DOWN DIAL-Factory champagne dial wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Vendome Small Size with Black Dial circa 1975-1985
Cartier Vendome Small Size with Black Dial circa 1975-1985

Cartier Vendome Small Size with Black Dial circa 1975-1985

Unavailable

H 0.24 in W 0.99 in Dm 0.99 in L 0.99 in

Cartier Vendome Small Size with Black Dial circa 1975-1985

By Cartier

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Introduction: This Vintage Cartier Paris Vendome Black Dial watch is the small size, circa 1975-1980.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch
Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch

Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch

Unavailable

H 0.32 in W 1.15 in L 1.54 in

Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Paris Platinum Tank A Vis Prive Mecanique Manual Wind Watch Classic Cartier Tank Design Platinum Case Manual Wind/ Mecanique Movement Cartier Paris Hand Decorated Guilloche D...

Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch
Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch

Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch

Unavailable

H 0.32 in W 1.15 in L 1.54 in

Cartier Paris Tank A Vis Platinum Prive Manual Wind Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Paris Platinum Tank A Vis Prive Mecanique Manual Wind Watch Classic Cartier Tank Design Platinum Case Manual Wind/ Mecanique Movement Cartier Paris Hand Decorated Guilloche D...

Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Cartier Paris Rose Gold Tonneau Cintree Dual Time Mechanical Wristwatch
Cartier Paris Rose Gold Tonneau Cintree Dual Time Mechanical Wristwatch

Cartier Paris Rose Gold Tonneau Cintree Dual Time Mechanical Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Paris 18K Rose Gold Tonneau Cintree Dual Time Watch Tonneau Shape Dual Time Zone Function with Two Cabochon Crowns Manual Wind/ Mecanique Movement Cartier Paris Hand Decorat...

Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Cartier Driver Guilloche Paris Dial 18K YG
Cartier Driver Guilloche Paris Dial 18K YG

Cartier Driver Guilloche Paris Dial 18K YG

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2137 Brand Cartier Model Driver Dial Guilloche Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Cartier Fur Strap and 18k YG Deployant Diameter 19.2mm Length 18.5cm Movement Manual Winding Ser...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Louis SM 78087 Paris Dial 18k YG Cartier Deployant
Cartier Tank Louis SM 78087 Paris Dial 18k YG Cartier Deployant

Cartier Tank Louis SM 78087 Paris Dial 18k YG Cartier Deployant

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2148 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis SM Reference 78087 Year 1980s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Cartier Leather Strap and Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Deployant Diame...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank 21842 Paris Dial Vintage Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank 21842 Paris Dial Vintage Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank 21842 Paris Dial Vintage Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The watch features elegant golden-tone hands and a cream 'Paris' dial, which is beautifully complemented by classic Roman numeral indices.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Paris 18k Yellow Gold Watch White Roman Dial
Cartier Paris 18k Yellow Gold Watch White Roman Dial

Cartier Paris 18k Yellow Gold Watch White Roman Dial

By Cartier

Located in Washington Depot, CT

White Roman Dial with blue hands Quartz movement Black leather lizard band with gold plated buckle - NOT Cartier Length of watch from end to end: 8.25" Back of watch stamped Cart...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Arrondie 96041 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1970s
Cartier Tank Arrondie 96041 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1970s

Cartier Tank Arrondie 96041 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1970s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2256 Brand Cartier Model Tank Arronde Reference 96041 Year 1970s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 23mm Length N/A Movement Manual Winding We...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Louis Extra-Plate 'Paris' Dial Vintage Watch
Cartier Tank Louis Extra-Plate 'Paris' Dial Vintage Watch

Cartier Tank Louis Extra-Plate 'Paris' Dial Vintage Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Extra-Plat, from the mid-1960s, features a white dial and is powered by the manual-winding Caliber 838 movement, originally based on Jaeger-LeCoultre. ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Paris Sextavado Reference #: 78099. Womens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 20 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Paris Sextavado Reference #: 78099. Womens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 20 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

Cartier Paris Sextavado 78099, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Paris Sextavado Reference #: 78099. Womens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 27 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s
Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s

Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2079 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis LM Reference 78086 Year 1970s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap and 18k Yellow Gold Cartier Deployant Diameter 23mm ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 Paris Dial Lacquered Blue Numerals 1990s
Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 Paris Dial Lacquered Blue Numerals 1990s

Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 Paris Dial Lacquered Blue Numerals 1990s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 Paris Dial Lacquered Blue Numerals 1990s SKU 1406 This Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 from the 1990s is an exquisite expression of Cartier’s refined ...

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Jumbo Automatique 17002 Pointed Paris Dial 1970s 18k YG
Cartier Tank Jumbo Automatique 17002 Pointed Paris Dial 1970s 18k YG

Cartier Tank Jumbo Automatique 17002 Pointed Paris Dial 1970s 18k YG

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Cartier Tank Jumbo Automatique 17002 Pointed Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1970s SKU: 1843 A rare and exceptional example from Cartier’s 1970s Tank collection, this Tank Jumbo Automat...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Paris 78227 Onyx Dial Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Paris 78227 Onyx Dial Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Paris 78227 Onyx Dial Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck, NY

Cartier Tank Paris 78227Â Ladies Watch. 20mm 18k Yellow gold case with factory diamonds set. 18K Yellow Gold Stationary bezel with diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Paris Rare original diamond set & chequered dial ladies 16121 watch
Cartier Tank Paris Rare original diamond set & chequered dial ladies 16121 watch

Cartier Tank Paris Rare original diamond set & chequered dial ladies 16121 watch

By Cartier

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

REF W3054 MODEL NUMBER 16121 SERIAL NUMBER C33*** CONDITION 9 - Excellent condition GENDER Ladies AGE 1990's CASE DIAMETER 24 mm CASE SIZE 24mm by 30mm BOX & PAPERS Box, manu...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Vendome Model 0360 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paris Dial Hand Wind
Vintage Cartier Vendome Model 0360 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paris Dial Hand Wind

Vintage Cartier Vendome Model 0360 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paris Dial Hand Wind

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Maker: Cartier Model: Vendome 0360 Year: Early 1970s Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dial: White Roman Paris Dial Case Measurement: 26mm Movement: Manual Wind Condition: Very good vin...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Louis 78086 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Winding Watch
Cartier Tank Louis 78086 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Winding Watch

Cartier Tank Louis 78086 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Winding Watch

By Cartier

Located in Aventura, FL

The Tank watch was created by Louis Cartier, who designed it after the tanks of WWI battlefields. Defined by flat vertical brancards and a sapphire cabochon, this symbol of understat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Mini Tank Louis 7005 French Hallmarks Paris Dial 18k YG 1975 Box and Pap
Cartier Mini Tank Louis 7005 French Hallmarks Paris Dial 18k YG 1975 Box and Pap

Cartier Mini Tank Louis 7005 French Hallmarks Paris Dial 18k YG 1975 Box and Pap

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2155 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis Mini Reference 7005 Year 1975 Dial French Hallmarks Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Cartier Leather Strap and Cartier 18k Yellow Gold...

Category

Vintage 1970s Pocket Watches

Cartier Lady's Stainless Steel Must De Cartier 21 Wristwatch circa 2000
Cartier Lady's Stainless Steel Must De Cartier 21 Wristwatch circa 2000

Cartier Lady's Stainless Steel Must De Cartier 21 Wristwatch circa 2000

By Cartier

Located in Stamford, CT

Steel 32.4 grams Length:34mm Width: 31mm Band width at case: 15mm Case thickness: 5.60mm Band: Cartier Paris deployant buckle Crystal: Sapphire Dial: Original Cartier O...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Ceinture Octagonal Lady Manual Wind Wristwatch
Cartier Ceinture Octagonal Lady Manual Wind Wristwatch

Cartier Ceinture Octagonal Lady Manual Wind Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Weight: 31,5gr Metal: 18kt yellow gold Hallmarks: French Condition: Good Movement : Manuel wind Signature: Cartier Paris, nº781002252 Dial Dimensions: Height: 24,63mm / 0,97i...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ceinture 78210 SM Deux Or YG/WG 1980s
Cartier Ceinture 78210 SM Deux Or YG/WG 1980s

Cartier Ceinture 78210 SM Deux Or YG/WG 1980s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Cartier Ceinture Deux Or SM Paris Dial, Ref. 78210, 1980s An elegant and highly collectible creation from Cartier’s golden era, the Ceinture Deux Or embodies the maison’s talent for...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Rare Tank Louis CPCP Collection Yellow Gold 1600
Cartier Rare Tank Louis CPCP Collection Yellow Gold 1600

Cartier Rare Tank Louis CPCP Collection Yellow Gold 1600

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Featuring a silver "Paris" dial with Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a secret Cartier signature at VII.

Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Platinum Seed Pearl Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant Necklace, 1920s
Cartier Platinum Seed Pearl Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant Necklace, 1920s

Cartier Platinum Seed Pearl Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant Necklace, 1920s

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

An elegant and chic Cartier Art Deco Platinum, Enamel and Seed Pearl Watch Pendant Necklace, suspending a platinum pocket watch, to the seed pearl, white enamel long chain, dial sign...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cartier Ceinture Octagonal Diamonds Lady Manual Wind Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Cartier Ceinture Octagonal Diamonds Lady Manual Wind Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Cartier Ceinture Octagonal Diamonds Lady Manual Wind Yellow Gold Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Weight: 29,8gr Metal: 18kt yellow gold Stones: Single cut Diamonds Total carat weight: 1ct approximately Hallmarks: French Condition: Good Movement : Manuel wind Signature: Car...

Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Cartier Paris Dial For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact cartier paris dial you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 14 vintage or 3 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a cartier paris dial from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A cartier paris dial of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 1, is particularly popular. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a cartier paris dial, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Cartier Paris Dial?

Prices for a cartier paris dial can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $811 and can go as high as $13,790, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,260.

Cartier for sale on 1stDibs

For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.

Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.

Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)

Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.

One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis 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.

Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, 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.

On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.

While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.

Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.

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.