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Cartier Pocket Watches

King Edward VII of England called Cartier the “jeweler of kings and king of jewelers.” Established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the French maison was from its beginnings a darling of the aristocracy. But Cartier is also known for its luxury watches. It was the founder’s grandson, Louis Cartier, who cemented its reputation as a trendsetting watchmaker. In 1904, he made one of the first men's wristwatches for a friend, Brazilian coffee-plantation heir Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont, a pioneering aviator, found his own 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.

Deemed daring and modern, men’s wristwatches became a vogue among the elite. Capitalizing on his success, Louis released the Tonneau in 1906. Its barrel-shaped case, another departure from the traditional round pocket watch, was embraced by other savvy watchmakers and remains a perennial favorite.

However, the Tonneau was soon eclipsed by Louis’s most iconic design. During the First World War, he was so impressed by the Renault tanks he saw on the Western Front that in 1917, he created a watch inspired by their industrial forms — the Cartier Tank watch.

Louis’s inventive streak didn’t stop at men’s watches. In 1906, he took a traditional round ladies’ case and stretched it into an elegant oval. The style was later dubbed the Baignoire for its resemblance to the elongated curves of a bathtub. In 1914, he commissioned artist George Barbier to illustrate an invitation to an upcoming exhibition. The resulting Dame à la panthère marked the debut of the animal that would become synonymous with the house.

That same year, Cartier introduced its first jewel incorporating the panther motif: a diamond watch with onyx spots, the inspiration for the current women’s Panthère model. After Louis’s death, in 1942, his legacy continued in the brand’s penchant for timepieces with unusual shapes. Its ultimate expression may be the Dalí-esque Crash watch, introduced in 1967 and said to be modeled on a Baignoire pulled from a car wreck.

Browse an expansive collection of unique Cartier wristwatches and pocket watches today on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Cartier
Cartier Mysterious Hours White Gold Tourbillon Pocket Watch HPI01075 Masterpiece
Cartier Mysterious Hours White Gold Tourbillon Pocket Watch HPI01075 Masterpiece

Cartier Mysterious Hours White Gold Tourbillon Pocket Watch HPI01075 Masterpiece

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Mysterious Hours White Gold Tourbillon Pocket Watch This men's pocket watch combines classic design and the finest traditions of the Cartier manufacture. It is the perfect...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Pocket Watches

Cartier Paris Belle Époque Lapel Watch
Cartier Paris Belle Époque Lapel Watch

Cartier Paris Belle Époque Lapel Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Created in the first decade of the 20th century, this platinum, diamond and enamel pendant watch is an early model by Cartier Paris. The watch with black enamel case, signed, silvered engine-turned dial with Arabic numeral indicators, jeweled lever escapement movement, blued steel "Breguet" hands, and sapphire winding stem is suspended by two flexible, reverse-graduating lines of old mine and old single-cut diamonds from a grosgrain strap mounted with geometric-form lapel pin and bar slides, set throughout with rose, old mine and old single-cut diamond accents. A Cartier jeweled timepiece of strong modernism, anticipating the Art Deco sensibility by almost 20 years, this rare pendant watch exemplifies the bold originality and vigor of the firm's energetic third generation. Item #: BO-22222 Artist: Cartier Country: France Circa: 1902-1909 Dimensions: 3.75" length, 1.25" width. Materials: 112 rose-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 1.15 carats); 84 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 1.53 carats); 1 cabochon sapphire (approximate total weight 0.10 carat); Platinum; 18K Gold; Grosgrain silk ribbon Gram Weight: 29.6 g Signed: Cartier Paris Londres , French Assay marks Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes In Cartier 1900-1939, the curator Judy Rude notes that, at Maison Cartier, "the combination of onyx (or black enamel) and diamonds goes back to the first decade of the century." The Louis Cartier Notebooks...

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Early 20th Century Cartier Pocket Watches

Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch
Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch

Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with Rose cut Diamonds and French cut Onyx. Signed by Cartier Circa 1920s

Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Cartier Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937
Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Cartier. A Rare and Highly Important King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch, C1937. Dial: The plain silver dial signed Cartier with black Roman numerals and outer minute track with blued steel moon hands complimenting the dial beautifully. Case: The very rare and highly important King George VI Gold Five pound coin minted in 1937, the year of his coronation. The back of the coin has Saint George fighting the dragon Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the victory of the Christian spirit over the forces of evil. The secret button on the side of the case presses in to reveal the watch. The watch can be tilted upwards so that it can sit on a desk. Movement: The extra flat fully jewelled Swiss nickel finished movement signed Le Coultre Co. The movement is fully jewelled to the centre abor with compensation balance, blued steel hairspring and fast slow regulation. The winding and hand setting crown is located at the three o'clock position. This is a very rare gold coin...

Category

20th Century French Cartier Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

A study in bold design, this elegant pendant watch by Cartier is in a class of its own. Crafted of platinum with a jet bezel, the timepiece features pierced hands and painted Arabic numerals on the dial. Diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carat add a timeless finish and brilliance to the creation. The Cartier tradition...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Pink Enamel Desk Clock
Cartier Pink Enamel Desk Clock

Cartier Pink Enamel Desk Clock

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier pink enamel desk clock, circa 1910s Circular-shaped dial with Arabic numerals, white enamel dotted bezel surrounding the dial, pink guilloché ena...

Category

Early 20th Century Belle Époque Cartier Pocket Watches

Materials

Enamel

Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Miniature Desk Timepiece circa 1920s

Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Miniature Desk Timepiece circa 1920s

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful miniature desk timepiece, rectangular case with blue enamel, accented by silver bands, centering a circular brushed silvered dial with gilt Arabic numerals, dial signed Cartier, case signed European Watch and Clock...

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Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Cartier Pocket Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier EWC Gold and Enamel 1920s Pocket Watch
Cartier EWC Gold and Enamel 1920s Pocket Watch

Cartier EWC Gold and Enamel 1920s Pocket Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Cartier pocket Watch, 46 MM Diameter and 4.5 MM thick 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece case. Blue and White Guilloche Enamel. Mechanical, Manua...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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1930s Swiss Vintage Cartier Pocket Watches

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Located in Litchfield, CT

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Estate Cartier Rock Crystal Pocket Watch with Skeleton Movement

Estate Cartier Rock Crystal Pocket Watch with Skeleton Movement

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

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20th Century French Cartier Pocket Watches

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Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Travel Alarm Clock

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Located in Lucerne, CH

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Cartier Rare Slim Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1940

Cartier Rare Slim Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1940

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Cartier pocket watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Cartier pocket watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Cartier jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Cartier diamond pocket watches, from our inventory of 5, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 22 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider pocket watches by and Van Cleef & Arpels. Prices for Cartier pocket watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,240 and tops out at $77,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $10,000.
Questions About Cartier Pocket Watches
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    There are a few reasons why Cartier is so popular. For one thing, the French luxury house is known for its very long history of unparalleled prestige and quality craftsmanship. Cartier has been producing extraordinary jewelry, watches and accessories since 1847. While jewelry lovers have long been enthusiastic about Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces and other pieces, the brand is also known for innovation. It pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry, and its artisans were so mindful of trends in fashion that the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Later, Cartier’s Art Deco-era pieces would help define the movement with which they are associated. One of the brand’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. Today’s influencers continue to help popularize the brand, increasing the demand for certain pieces like Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses and the Cartier Love bracelet, an icon of modernist jewelry. Find a wide range of Cartier watches, jewelry and eyewear on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cartier Vermeil means a timepiece made by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier out of a material called vermeil. It is a precious metal produced by combining genuine gold and silver. Shop a variety of Cartier Vermeil watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The meaning of Cartier Vendôme varies. Most often, the term describes a line of watches made by the French luxury jewelry house. However, the company has also produced sunglasses and wedding jewelry with the style name Cartier Vendôme. Shop a variety of Cartier Vendôme watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cartier is famous for producing jewelry and watches out of rare and luxury-grade materials and creating innovative designs, often packed with symbolism. Some of the jeweler's most famous pieces include the modern Love and Trinity bracelets and its custom-made antique and vintage jewelry like the Crocodile and Patiala necklaces. Find a range of Cartier jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The Cartier logo is a pair of interlocking Cs. However, many people associate the panther with the French luxury jewelry maker more than its actual logo. Louis Cartier incorporated the feline figure into its design lexicon. In 1914, Cartier hired illustrator George Barbier to design advertisements for the jewelry house. Barbier drafted a drawing that featured a glamorous woman with an elegant panther at her feet, and Cartier loved it. He had an additional connection to the panther in the form of his alleged romantic interest, fellow Cartier designer Jeanne Toussaint, who adored the animal so much that she decorated her apartment with furs and donned a coat of panther fur. Cartier gave her the long-lasting nickname Panthère. Since then, Cartier has offered watches, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and earrings inspired by the panther. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Today, the Cartier symbol, or logo, is the luxury house's name written in a clean serif font that mimics cursive handwriting. Typically, the logo is either black on white or white on a black background. Its refined and understated appearance references the high standards that have long been associated with this celebrated brand.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the reasons Cartier is so expensive is because, since its inception in 1847, the brand has had a massive celebrity fan base that spans royals, movie stars, singers and socialites. The brand also uses the highest quality metals and gems in their pieces, rendering them expensive to produce. Lastly, most Cartier pieces are easy to identify, making brand recognition a key factor in the brand's exclusivity.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Cartier is special for at least a few reasons. The French luxury brand is one of the most well-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world.

    Cartier has helped create style trends over the course of its long history, including playing a prominent role in defining Art Deco jewelry. The brand designed one of the first modern wristwatches for men — the Santos de Cartier — and its Panthère motif and Love bracelet are universally renowned among lovers of fine jewelry.

    Additionally, it should come as no surprise that Cartier engagement rings are among the most desirable on the jewelry market for those hoping to be betrothed. The house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds.

    Find Cartier jewelry for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    Yes, Cartier diamonds are real. The French luxury jewelry maker follows stringent standards when selecting the diamonds that go into its pieces. For example, the central brilliant cut diamonds in Cartier rings that are over 0.3 carats in weight must be classified as Very Good or Excellent to be used by the brand, and Cartier rarely chooses diamonds with clarity ratings below VS2 or color ratings below H. Shop a selection of Cartier diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, not all Cartier rings are gold. Although the luxury jewelry maker produces many white, rose and yellow gold pieces, some rings are platinum. The French jewelry house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier does make earrings as well as a slew of other exquisite and high-end pieces of jewelry. Established in 1847 in Paris, France, this luxury goods brand is known throughout the world for its jewelry and watches. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Cartier pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How to wear Cartier earrings depends on your personal preferences. Small hoops and studs can balance chunky statement necklaces, while dramatic drops and oversized hoops can become the bold focal point of an outfit. Shop a variety of Cartier earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    To authenticate a Cartier lighter, locate the serial number. Then, contact Cartier’s customer service team to assess whether it is a genuine serial number and whether the product type and style match your piece. Check the official Cartier website for current contact information. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Cartier lighters.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    While the luxury jewelry maker has produced many iconic pieces, the Trinity de Cartier ring is perhaps its most famous. The Trinity debuted in 1924 and features interlocking rings in rose, yellow and white gold. Shop a collection of Cartier rings from top jewelers around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    Cartier glasses are called by a variety of nicknames. These include 'Ye's, Sticks, Carties and Cardisa. Many people refer to Cartier sunglasses and eyeglasses fashioned out of buffalo horn as Buffs. Explore a wide variety of Cartier glasses from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
    There are a couple of reasons why Cartier glasses are so special. First, the French luxury brand produces each pair with careful attention to detail and precise crafting techniques that make the eyewear stylish and durable. Cartier also uses fine-quality materials like buffalo horn, titanium, gold, leather, onyx and bubinga wood. Additionally, many Detroit rappers like Royce da 5'9", Tee Grizzley and Big Sean have sported Cartier sunglasses over the years, making the brand's eyewear synonymous with hip-hop culture. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier glasses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    The Cartier Tank is so popular for several reasons. Many people like its unique shape, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. Others appreciate its long history since it was released in 1918. Over the years, some models have featured details that further appeal to collectors. For example, the Tank Divan is notable for its striking rectangular case that is situated horizontally. The Roman numerals on its watch face are elongated, stretching to fit its unusual proportions. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Cartier Tank watches.