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Cartier Watches 1970s

Cartier Plaque Ladies Classic Tank Style Watch circa 1970's with
Cartier Plaque Ladies Classic Tank Style Watch circa 1970's with

Cartier Plaque Ladies Classic Tank Style Watch circa 1970's with

By Cartier

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Plaque CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm "Lug Tip to Lug Tip" X Width 21mm MOVEMENT / CALI...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Vendome Large Automatic Original Deployant Buckle Ca' 1970's
Cartier Paris Vendome Large Automatic Original Deployant Buckle Ca' 1970's

Cartier Paris Vendome Large Automatic Original Deployant Buckle Ca' 1970's

By Cartier

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

This is an unusual find-a ca' 1970's Cartier Vendome Automatic watch. Large version measuring 33mm without crown.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier by Bueche Girod Yellow Gold Enamel Manual Wind Watch, circa 1970s
Cartier by Bueche Girod Yellow Gold Enamel Manual Wind Watch, circa 1970s

Cartier by Bueche Girod Yellow Gold Enamel Manual Wind Watch, circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Long Beach, CA

The dial is all original which is rare to find in such fine condition on these watches. The case back is also correctly "hand stamped" with the Cartier registration numbers, guarante...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch

Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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

Vintage 1970s Cartier Tank Must Vermeil Lemon Dial Manual 23mm
Vintage 1970s Cartier Tank Must Vermeil Lemon Dial Manual 23mm

Vintage 1970s Cartier Tank Must Vermeil Lemon Dial Manual 23mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

The Original Form Watch The Cartier Tank is one of the few watch designs that can be called historically perfect.

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Vintage 1970s Cartier Lady Tank Must Vermeil Trinity Dial Manual 23mm
Vintage 1970s Cartier Lady Tank Must Vermeil Trinity Dial Manual 23mm

Vintage 1970s Cartier Lady Tank Must Vermeil Trinity Dial Manual 23mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Key Specifications Model: Must de Cartier Tank Year: 1970s Movement: Manual Wind Case Size: 23x30mm Bracelet: Leather Strap Dial: Rectangular Trinity Metal: Vermeil SKU: 1379

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Brown Tortoise Dial Manual 23mm
Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Brown Tortoise Dial Manual 23mm

Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Brown Tortoise Dial Manual 23mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A More Interesting Take On The Tank The Must de Cartier line was introduced in the 1970s, making the brand's most iconic designs accessible through vermeil cases and creative dial e...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Brown Tortoise Dial Manual 23mm
Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Brown Tortoise Dial Manual 23mm

Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Brown Tortoise Dial Manual 23mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A More Distinct Personality This watch is for someone who appreciates the history of the Cartier Tank but wants an example with a more distinct personality.

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Gold Vermeil Black Spider Dial Manual 23mm
Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Gold Vermeil Black Spider Dial Manual 23mm

Vintage 1970s Cartier Must Tank Gold Vermeil Black Spider Dial Manual 23mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A Rare Dial On An Enduring Classic The Must de Cartier line was a brilliant move, bringing the brand's iconic designs to a wider audience in the 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Vermeil

Recent Sales

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Jumbo Automatic Watch, 1970s
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Jumbo Automatic Watch, 1970s

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Jumbo Automatic Watch, 1970s

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

The Cartier Tank Jumbo is a unique model. It combines the Cartier Tank look, design and feel with an automatic movement which, until this model was launched in the 1970s, was largely...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Vendome Manual Wristwatch, circa 1970s
Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Vendome Manual Wristwatch, circa 1970s

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Vendome Manual Wristwatch, circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Cartier 18K YG lady Vendome model, 24mm x 26mm, circa 1970’s. Scarce and great looking tonneau shaped case with stepped and grooved sides. With mineral glass crystal and classic ori...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gondole circa 1970s with Deployant
Cartier Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gondole circa 1970s with Deployant

Cartier Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gondole circa 1970s with Deployant

By Cartier

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold lady Gondole model circa 1970’s.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970’s Cartier 18KT Dress Watch – Manual Wind Cal. 96
Vintage 1970’s Cartier 18KT Dress Watch – Manual Wind Cal. 96

Vintage 1970’s Cartier 18KT Dress Watch – Manual Wind Cal. 96

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 1970’s Cartier watch featuring a 24.5mm 18KT yellow gold case distinguished by elegant fancy-style lugs and a smooth polished bezel.

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank "Must de Cartier" Vermeil 925 Leather Wrist Watch circa 1970s
Cartier Tank "Must de Cartier" Vermeil 925 Leather Wrist Watch circa 1970s

Cartier Tank "Must de Cartier" Vermeil 925 Leather Wrist Watch circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The Cartier Tank "Must de Cartier" Vermeil 925 Leather Wrist Watch from the 1970s epitomizes timeless elegance and vintage sophistication.

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Cartier 1970s Scarce Yellow Gold and Diamond Mechanical Ladies Wrist Watch
Cartier 1970s Scarce Yellow Gold and Diamond Mechanical Ladies Wrist Watch

Cartier 1970s Scarce Yellow Gold and Diamond Mechanical Ladies Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 30 X 21 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with Cartier Factory set Round Brilliant cut diamonds totaling .40 Carat.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970's Cartier Tank Pre-Must Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970's Cartier Tank Pre-Must Sterling Silver

Vintage 1970's Cartier Tank Pre-Must Sterling Silver

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Cartier Square Sterling Silver Manual Watch. This elegant timepiece is crafted in sterling silver. The watch features a square face with Roman numerals and a classic manual m...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cartier Paris Santos Dumont Watch
Cartier Paris Santos Dumont Watch

Cartier Paris Santos Dumont Watch

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

This wristwatch is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre 2512-1 caliber, the movement behind many of the finest high-end Cartier ladies’ watches of the 1970s and 1980s. Cartier referred to...

Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Vintage Wood Cased Tank Mechanical Wrist Watch
Cartier Vintage Wood Cased Tank Mechanical Wrist Watch

Cartier Vintage Wood Cased Tank Mechanical Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Tank Watch. 33 X 25 MM Gold Plate Case with Mahogany Wood Sides. 17 Jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement, Mahogany wood dial with raised Gold Markers.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier Ladies Gold Plated Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1970s
Cartier Ladies Gold Plated Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1970s

Cartier Ladies Gold Plated Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Braintree, GB

Cartier Ladies Gold Plated Manual Winding Wristwatch, C.1970's Watch has been made in USA.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Ceinture Mechanical Wristwatch, 1970s
Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Ceinture Mechanical Wristwatch, 1970s

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Ceinture Mechanical Wristwatch, 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Ceinture Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 23 MM 18K Yellow Gold Case, mechanical, Manual wind Movement, White Dial with Black Roman Numerals, Sapphire Crown.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k 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 White Gold 1970s Mechanical Wristwatch
Cartier White Gold 1970s Mechanical Wristwatch

Cartier White Gold 1970s Mechanical Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier retailed Wrist Watch by Baum & Mercier, 33 M.M. 14K White Gold 2 Piece case with Cartier stamped control numbers. 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Baum & Mercier...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier 1970s Santos Dumont 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Cartier 1970s Santos Dumont 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Cartier 1970s Santos Dumont 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in South Pasadena, CA

1970s Cartier Santos Dumont manual wind 18k yellow gold wristwatch.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Gondole Automatique Self-Winding Wristwatch, 1970s
Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Gondole Automatique Self-Winding Wristwatch, 1970s

Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Gondole Automatique Self-Winding Wristwatch, 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Firenze, IT

BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE Cartier Paris "Gondole Automatique", 1970's. Fine and rare, self winding, 18ct gold gentleman's wristwatch with Cartier Buckle C. massive,...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Yellow Gold Oversized Cushion Wristwatch circa 1970s
Cartier Yellow Gold Oversized Cushion Wristwatch circa 1970s

Cartier Yellow Gold Oversized Cushion Wristwatch circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Unbelievably styling and an incredible size, this is one of the most chic vintage wristwatches we have seen. Measuring an impressive 38mm wide and 34mm tall, this oversized piece is ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Yellow Gold Large Octagonal Automatic Wristwatch circa 1970s
Cartier Yellow Gold Large Octagonal Automatic Wristwatch circa 1970s

Cartier Yellow Gold Large Octagonal Automatic Wristwatch circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

18k yellow gold Cartier wristwatch with an octagonal case, measuring an impressive 31 x 31mm and 36mm in diagonal width. Suitable for a lady or a gentleman and offering authentic vin...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Large Gilt Metal Stepped-Case Wristwatch circa 1970s
Cartier Large Gilt Metal Stepped-Case Wristwatch circa 1970s

Cartier Large Gilt Metal Stepped-Case Wristwatch circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Cartier large gilt metal stepped-case wristwatch. Manual-wind movement, 17 jewels. White dial with black Roman numerals. New black lizard strap.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Cartier Gold Plate Wood Case and Dial Tank Mechanical Wristwatch, 1970s
Cartier Gold Plate Wood Case and Dial Tank Mechanical Wristwatch, 1970s

Cartier Gold Plate Wood Case and Dial Tank Mechanical Wristwatch, 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Tank Watch. An exceptional condition one owner watch, safety deposit box kept and seldom worn. 33 X 25 MM Gold Plate Case with Mahogany Wood Sides. 17 Jewel mec...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

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

Details Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Jumbo Automatique Reference: 17002 Year: 1970s Dial: Pointed Paris Dial Case: 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet: Leather Strap Diameter: 28mm x 35mm Lug Wid...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Yellow Gold Christallor Wristwatch with Stepped Bezel circa 1970s
Cartier Yellow Gold Christallor Wristwatch with Stepped Bezel circa 1970s

Cartier Yellow Gold Christallor Wristwatch with Stepped Bezel circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Christallor Wristwatch with Stepped Bezel, circa 1970s, measuring 34 X 27mm, Hooded Lugs. Manual-Wind Movement, Sapphire Crown, New Cartier Black Croco Strap ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Lady's Gilt Metal and Wood Tank Wristwatch circa 1970s
Cartier Lady's Gilt Metal and Wood Tank Wristwatch circa 1970s

Cartier Lady's Gilt Metal and Wood Tank Wristwatch circa 1970s

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Cartier lady's gilt metal and wood Tank wristwatch, wood dial with gilt markers, manual-wind movement, sapphire-set crown. Original brown Must De Cartier strap and gilt Cartier buckle.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Cartier Mini Ellipse SM 67081 Swiss Dial 18k YG 1970s Hand Winding
Cartier Mini Ellipse SM 67081 Swiss Dial 18k YG 1970s Hand Winding

Cartier Mini Ellipse SM 67081 Swiss Dial 18k YG 1970s Hand Winding

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Fully serviced, it reflects Classic Time Club’s commitment to presenting watches in superb condition. Highlights Iconic Cartier Mini Ellipse SM Swiss-made dial with classic minima...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Vintage 1970s Cartier Tank Louis 78086 18K YG Manual White Roman Paris 23mm
Vintage 1970s Cartier Tank Louis 78086 18K YG Manual White Roman Paris 23mm

Vintage 1970s Cartier Tank Louis 78086 18K YG Manual White Roman Paris 23mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

The Enduring Icon Of Watchmaking The Cartier Tank Louis is a direct descendant of the original Tank design from 1917, a watch that imposed order and geometry onto the wristwatch at ...

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

CARTIER Yellow Gold Tank Wristwatch with Bracelet
CARTIER Yellow Gold Tank Wristwatch with Bracelet

CARTIER Yellow Gold Tank Wristwatch with Bracelet

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

This gorgeous 1970s Cartier Tank watch is made of 18k yellow gold and is in mint condition with a mechanical movement.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Must de Cartier Tank Gents 70s Manual Wind "Tortoise/Wood" Vermeil
Must de Cartier Tank Gents 70s Manual Wind "Tortoise/Wood" Vermeil

Must de Cartier Tank Gents 70s Manual Wind "Tortoise/Wood" Vermeil

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Must de Cartier Tank Gents Watch – 1970s Manual Wind Model: "Tortoise/Wood" Dial – Vermeil Case A rare and elegant 1970s Must de Cartier Tank watch for gentlemen, featuring: manual ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Vermeil

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Cartier Watches 1970s For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of cartier watches 1970s for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 1091 vintage editions and 5 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of cartier watches 1970s made by modern jewelers — as well as those associated with contemporary — are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Cartier, Aldo Cipullo for Cartier and Aldo Cipullo are consistently popular. Many pieces in our collection are stylish for most occasions, but diamond versions, from our inventory of 133, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. There are many round cut, brilliant cut and cabochon cartier watches 1970s for sale. Most of our cartier watches 1970s for sale are for women, but there are 296 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Cartier Watches 1970s?

Prices for cartier watches 1970s can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $200 and can go as high as $375,000, while cartier watches 1970s, on average, fetch $5,733.

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.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry 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.

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