Cartier Santos Galbée Automatic 29mm 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Ref. W200
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Santos Galbée Automatic 29mm 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Ref.
Category
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Cartier Santos Galbée 3887 W20056D6 – Small Model – Full Set – 2015
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Santos Galbée 3887 W20056D6 – Small Model – Full Set – 2015 One of the most elegant and wearable watches Cartier has ever produced, this Cartier Santos Galbée reference 3887 ...
Category
Early 2000s European Wrist Watches
Cartier Santos De Cartier Stainless Steel Watch with Diamond Bezel White Dial
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos Large Stainless Steel Watch with Custom Diamond Bezel Factory White Roman Numeral Dial WATCH COMES WITH AN ADDITIONAL Light Brown LEATHER STRAP!
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos De Cartier Stainless Steel Watch with Diamond Bezel Blue Dial
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos Large Stainless Steel Watch with Custom Diamond Bezel, Blue Roman Numeral Dial (factory) and Blue Leather Band.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos De Cartier Stainless Steel Watch with Diamond Bezel Blue Dial
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos Large Stainless Steel Watch with Custom Diamond Bezel Factory Blue Roman Numeral Dial WATCH COMES WITH AN ADDITIONAL BLUE LEATHER STRAP!
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Galbee Silver Dial Small Steel Ladies Watch W20056D6/1565
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your wrist game with this stunning Cartier Santos Galbee Women's Wristwatch. Perfect for any occasion, this wristwatch is a must-have for those who appreciate timeless style ...
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Cartier Santos Octagon 18k Gold and Steel Automatic Ladies Diamond Watch 2966
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos Octagon 18K Gold and Steel Automatic Ladies Diamond Watch 2966.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
Cartier Santos Octagon Automatic Watch Ref. 0907 in 18K Yellow Gold, 1985
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Iconic Cartier Santos Octagon wristwatch, reference 0907, crafted in 18K yellow gold and dating to circa 1985.
Category
20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos Ronde Large Steel and 18k Gold Automatic Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1997 Cartier Santos Ronde Reference 1910, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Water Resistant case with 18k Yellow Gold Bezel, Sapphire Crown, automatic, self winding movement, Whi...
Category
1990s French Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Steel
Cartier Santos Ronde 1561/1 – 30mm x 35mm – Quartz – Stainless Steel – Papers
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Santos Ronde 1561/1 – 30mm x 35mm – Quartz – Stainless Steel – Papers A superb example of the increasingly sought-after Cartier Santos Ronde reference 1561/1, combining the i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Cartier - Santos Carrée Lady, Automatique, Full 18K Yellow Gold Watch, diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cartier - Santos Carrée Lady, Automatique, Full 18K Yellow Gold Watch with Black Onyx and Diamond-Set Dial, Integrated Bracelet An exquisite and rare expression of timeless elega...
Category
20th Century French Artisan Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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 Santos De Cartier Skeleton Custom Diamond Two Tone Yellow Watch WHSA0019
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos De Cartier Skeleton Custom Diamond Two Tone Yellow Watch WHSA0019 Santos Skeleton watch, large model, Manufacture mechanical movement with manual winding, caliber 961...
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos De Cartier Chronograph Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch W2SA0008
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos De Cartier Chronograph Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch W2SA0008 Santos watch, extra-large model, chronograph mechanical movement with automatic winding, caliber 1904 CH...
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Lady's Cartier Santos Ronde, Quartz, Two Tone with Grey Dial
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Lady's Cartier Santos Ronde, quartz, 27mm x 30mm to lug tips, ref. #819*******, stainless steel screwed back case with 18K yellow gold bezel, integrated two-tone stainless steel brac...
Category
Early 2000s French Wrist Watches
Materials
Quartz
Cartier Santos 100 Stainless Steel & White Rubber Watch Rose Gold Diamond Bezel
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos 100 Staniless Steel 33mm Diamond Watch White Rubber Strap Rose Gold Bezel #2878 This watch comes with a LIFETIME diamond replacement warranty.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos 100 Rose Gold 33mm Custom Diamond Watch Brown Leather Strap #2879
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos 100 Rose Gold 33mm Custom Diamond Watch Brown Leather Strap #2879 This watch comes with a LIFETIME diamond replacement warranty.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Santos Galbee 150th Anniversary Edition Two-Tone 29mm Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Santos Galbée commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Cartier in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold featuring 29x41mm case with Roman numeral dial and original black textured...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Ronde Steel and Gold Scarce Gray Dial Ladies Quartz Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Cartier Santos Ronde collection Ladies wrist watch, 27 M.M. 3 piece Stainless Steel Case with 18k Yellow Gold Bezel, Sapphire set Crown, Quartz Movement and Scarce Gray d...
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Galbée 29mm Ladies Stainless Steel Watch with Diamond Bezel
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos Galbee 29 mm Women's Watch Stainless Steel with Diamond Bezel 1564 This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Large Customized Watch
By Cartier
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Original Cartier WSSA0018 Men's Santos Large Size With Date Customized F/VS1 24.90 Cts Diamonds.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Cartier Santos Demoiselle Reference 2698 Stainless Steel 28 x 20mm Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant Cartier Santos Demoiselle wristwatch, reference 2698, crafted entirely in polished stainless steel.
Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Cartier Santos Galbee Ref 1564 80s Quartz Roman Numeral Dial 29x41mm Cas
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Cartier Santos Galbee reference 1564 quartz with a white blue Roman numeral dial from the late 80s, early 90s.
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Cartier Santos Medium WSSA0029 35mm Diamond Case Bezel Iced Out Box Paper
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: WSSA0029 Serial: 40752119***** Year: 2021 Model: Cartier Santos Medium Iced Out / Bust Down Case Material: Custom Diamond Encrusted Stainless Steel Case ...
Category
2010s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Demoiselle 2698 Two-Tone Steel & 18K Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Santos Demoiselle reference 2698 ladies quartz watch in two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a square 20mm case with an off-white dial, black Roman numeral...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos WSSA0018 4072 Large Automatic Steel Watch Box 39.8mm
By Cartier
Located in Addison, TX
Item Details Brand: Cartier Collection: Santos de Cartier Reference: WSSA0018 Case Number: 4072 Model Size: Large Department: Men / Unisex Movement: Cartier Caliber 1847 MC Automati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Spinel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos 2319 Stainless Steel Cream Guilloche Auto 29mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A More Refined Take On A Classic The Cartier Santos is not just a watch, it is the blueprint.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos 2319 Stainless Steel Guilloche Dial Automatic 29mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Cleaner Take On A Classic The Cartier Santos is a foundational watch, not just for the brand, but for the entire concept of the modern wristwatch.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Galbee Stainless Steel Wristwatch W20060D6
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301555 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2009 Model W20098D6 Serial Number 28********** Metal Stainless steel Stones Sapphire Weight Approximately 115.1 g Condition Excel...
Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
2000s Ladies Cartier Santos Galbee 2423 Steel Silver Guilloche Dial Auto 24mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Original Pilot's Watch, Perfected The Cartier Santos is not just another watch; it is arguably the first purpose-built wristwatch in history.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Galbee 1567 Two-Tone Grey Dial Quartz 29mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The First Modern Wristwatch The Cartier Santos is a foundational piece of watchmaking history, widely regarded as the first purpose-built wristwatch.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Cartier Santos Vendome Steel 8192 Quartz Grey Ghost Dial 27mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Round Take On A Square Icon The Santos is Cartier's most historically significant sports watch, born from a need for function in the earliest days of aviation.
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Cartier Santos Octagon 2965 Two-Tone Auto White Roman Dial 29mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Lets take a look at Paul Allen's Santos When people think Cartier Santos, they picture the square case.
Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos 2319 Stainless Steel Guilloche Dial Automatic 29 mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The First Modern Wristwatch The Cartier Santos is not just another model, it is arguably the first purpose-built men's wristwatch in history.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Cartier Santos Galbee 2961 Two-Tone Burgundy Spider Dial Auto 29mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Execution Of A Definitive Design The Cartier Santos holds the title of the first purpose-built wristwatch in history.
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Carree 0901 18K YG White Roman Dial Auto 24mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The First Wristwatch, In Full Gold The Cartier Santos is one of the most historically significant designs in watchmaking, widely considered the first purpose-built wristwatch.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos Octagon 2966 Ghost Dial SS/YG 1980s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2249 Brand Cartier Model Santos Octagon Reference 2966 Year 1980s Dial Ghost Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 29mm Length 17.7cm M...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Vintage Cartier Santos 2966 Automatic 25mm Watch Santos de Cartier Octo SM
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Santos Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold. 29mm LM Unisex Ref.2966 Automatic Movement.
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Series: Santos Case Diameter: 24 mm Bracelet: 18k yellow gold & stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Off-white Dial The sale includes a Cartier watch box a...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Vendome 81914 Large 18k Yellow Gold Ghost Dial
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Vendôme Ladies Watch features a 32.5 mm case made of 18K yellow gold. It has an 18K yellow gold bezel and a unique ghost dial with gold hands. The watch comes with an 18K yel...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Cartier Santos de Cartier Automatic Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel Watch 4075
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
1904, Louis Cartier granted the wish of the famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont: to be able to tell time while flying.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos De Cartier Chronograph Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch W2SA0008
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Series: Santos Model: W2SA0008 Case Diameter: 44 mm Bracelet: 18k yellow gold / stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Silver Carat Weight: 30.00 carats in ...
Category
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos De Cartier Custom Diamond Stainless Steel and Rose Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Series: Santos Model: WSSA0018 Case Diameter: 39.8 mm Bracelet: custom added 18k rose gold & stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Original Blue Carat Weigh...
Category
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Estate Cartier Santos Galbée 2423 Automatic Stainless Steel 24mm Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Addison, TX
Details Designer: Cartier Collection: Santos Galbée Reference: 2423 Style: Ladies’ Luxury Wristwatch Case Material: Stainless Steel Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel Movement: Mecha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Cartier Santos Dumont Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Large Model With Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel case with a black (alligator) leather strap. Fixed stainless steel bezel. Silver dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Minute...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Cartier Santos Octagon 2965 Steel Grey Ghost Dial Auto 30mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An Uncommon Shape For A Foundational Watch The Santos is one of the most significant models in the history of the wristwatch, a design born from functional necessity for aviator Alb...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos De Cartier Skeleton Iced Out Two-Tone VVS Clariry Watch WHSA0015
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Professionally customized and fully iced with Aftermarket natural VVS-grade clarity diamonds, this timepiece radiates unmatched brilliance and premium flair. Details: Brand: Cartier...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Galbée 187901- Two Tone Ivory Roman Auto 29 mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Contoured Two-Tone Classic The Santos Galbée Reference 187901 is the definitive 1990s evolution of Cartier’s most iconic silhouette.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Cartier Santos Vendome Ronde Model 8191 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Wa
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Santos Vendome Ronde 8191 Year: 1990s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 27mm Movement: Quartz Cond...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos Dumont 18k Rose Gold Quartz Roman Dial - Black Leather Band Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Model: Santos Dumont Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Case Diameter: 38mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: Smooth 18k Rose Gold Bezel Dial: White dial with classic black R...
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Rose Gold
Cartier Santos Dumont XL W2SA0017 4305 33.9mm Silver Dial 18k Rose Gold Steel
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: W2SA0017 / 4305 Serial: 4128**** Year: 2020-Present Model: Carter Santos Dumont XL Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Black Leather Bezel: 18k...
Category
2010s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Ref 4072 WSSA0018 Diamond Dial Diamond Band Case Steel Box Paper
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: WSSA0018 / 4072 Year: 2021 Case Material: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamonds Band: Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Band Bezel: Custom Diamond Stainless ...
Category
2010s Wrist Watches
Cartier 18K White Gold Santos 100 Unisex White Gold Diamond Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
You will fall in love with this beautiful Cartier Santos watch the moment you see it. It has everything going for it: diamond bezel, perfect 33mm width of the case, purple leather b...
Category
20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Two Tone 18k & Stainless Santos Demoiselle 20mm Quartz Watch Ref. 2698
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Santos Demoiselle combines 18k yellow gold and stainless steel in a compact 20mm case with the refined geometric styling associated with the collection.
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Santos de Cartier WSSA0071 Large Blue Stainless Steel watch Box & Card
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The watch includes date, hour, minute, and second functions. Part of the Santos series, this luxury watch is labeled as Swiss Made and is specifically the Cartier Santos Large Model...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1979 Cartier Lady Santos Octagonal 0906 18K YG White Roman Auto 24mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Golden Expression Of A Design Icon The Cartier Santos is a foundational piece, not just for the brand, but for the very concept of the wristwatch.
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s Cartier Lady Santos Demoiselle 2698 Steel White Dial Quartz 22mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Deliberately Refined Santos The Cartier Santos carries the weight of being the first purpose-built wristwatch in history, created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Steel Santos Galbee Small Size Quartz Ref. 1565
By Cartier
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Cartier Model: Santos Galbée 1565 Year: 2000’s Serial Number: CCXXXXXX Reference: C0_ Case: Small 23mm Stainless Steel Case; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previou...
Category
Early 2000s French Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Two-Tones Santos Galbee with Quartz Ref. 187901
By Cartier
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Cartier Model: Santos Galbée 187901 Year: 1990-2000’s Serial Number: 30XXX Reference: C0_ Case: Large 29 x 41mm Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Case; Show sign of wear with...
Category
1990s French Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Mini Santos Galbée 2423 Guilloché Dial SS Automatic 2000s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2352 Brand Cartier Model Santos Galbée Reference 2423 Year 2000s Dial White Case Stainless Steel Bracelet Stainless Steel Diameter 24mm Length 18cm Movement Automatic Weight N/A ...
Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
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Cartier Santos For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a broad range of cartier santos for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, stainless steel and steel. Our selection of items includes 513 vintage examples as well as 1191 contemporary versions. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 20th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of cartier santos made by contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular. Browse our collection of 79 diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut cartier santos and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and brilliant cut alternatives. When shopping our range of cartier santos, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.
How Much are Cartier Santos?
Prices for cartier santos can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $600 and can go as high as $119,995, while cartier santos, on average, fetch $5,119.
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.
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