Cartier Clocks
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.
1970s Swiss Vintage Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
1990s Swiss Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate, Silver, Brass, Steel
Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Cartier Clocks
Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Metal
1980s French Other Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass, Enamel
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate, Enamel
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate, Silver
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Brass
1980s Swiss Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
1980s French Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass, Enamel
Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
20th Century French Belle Époque Cartier Clocks
Agate, Gold, Enamel
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cartier Clocks
Brass
1980s Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Cartier Clocks
Sterling Silver, Enamel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Clocks
Marble, Silver, Sterling Silver
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Clocks
Jade, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Cartier Clocks
Gold, Platinum, Silver, Enamel
2010s Swiss Cartier Clocks
Brass
1990s Swiss Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Brass
20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Silver, Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Clocks
Agate, Onyx, Sterling Silver, Bronze
1970s French Art Deco Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
20th Century French Cartier Clocks
Enamel, Gold
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Silver Plate, Enamel
1990s French Modern Cartier Clocks
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Silver, Brass
1970s Swiss Other Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
1950s Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
1950s Vintage Cartier Clocks
Metal
1980s Swiss Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Brass
20th Century Swiss Cartier Clocks
Metal
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Brass, Enamel
1970s European Vintage Cartier Clocks
Metal
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
1990s Italian Cartier Clocks
Brass
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
1990s Swiss Post-Modern Cartier Clocks
Enamel, Ormolu
1990s Swiss Art Deco Cartier Clocks
Enamel, Ormolu
20th Century French Rococo Cartier Clocks
Enamel
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Cartier Clocks
Lapis Lazuli
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Cartier Clocks
Lapis Lazuli
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Gold Plate
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cartier Clocks
Lapis Lazuli
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Cartier Clocks
Lapis Lazuli
Cartier clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Cartier
- Why Cartier is so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One 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.
- Why is Cartier so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024There 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.
- What is Cartier Vermeil?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cartier 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.
- What is Cartier Vendôme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- What is Cartier famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier 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.
- What is the Cartier logo?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The 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.
- What is the Cartier symbol?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Today, 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 ExpertJanuary 10, 2025Cartier 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. - Is Cartier the same as Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024No, 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 ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell if something is Cartier, look for a maker's marking. Every Cartier piece, from jewelry to watches to sunglasses, bears the maker's marking in an inconspicuous area. These markings have changed over the years, so you can often use their style, placement and wording to date and identify your piece. Once you locate the mark, refer to trusted online resources to find out more about what that specific marking indicates. Find a selection of Cartier jewelry and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023To 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.
- Does Cartier make earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- How do I wear Cartier earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How 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 ExpertNovember 6, 2023What a Cartier bracelet symbolizes varies from piece to piece. With its screw motif, the Love bracelet represents the enduring nature of true love, while the three types of gold featured in the Trinity bracelet stand for love, fidelity and friendship. Translating to "just a nail" in English, the Juste un Clou bracelet is sometimes associated with simplicity and modernity. Find a large collection of Cartier bracelets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Sometimes, Cartier sunglasses are called buffs. This name comes from the fact that Cartier was the first major eyewear designer to use rare buffalo horn as a material for crafting eyeglass and sunglass frames. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Cartier sunglasses.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The 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.
- What is Pasha de Cartier?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Pasha de Cartier is a watch introduced by the French luxury jewelry house of Cartier in 1985. Today, the watch features an automatic movement and is available with various leather and bracelet bands. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Pasha de Cartier watches.
- Who designed the Cartier Ecrou?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Unnamed designers working for Cartier designed the Cartier Ecrou bracelet. They based the design for the jewelry released in 2017 on that of the Juste un Clou that Aldo Cipullo created for the brand in 1971. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Cartier Ecrou bracelets.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What 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, 2023There 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.