Cartier 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.
1970s French Modern Vintage Cartier Watches
18k Gold
20th Century Swiss Cartier Watches
20th Century Swiss Cartier Watches
Yellow Gold
1990s Swiss Cartier Watches
Gold
1990s Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Cartier Watches
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Cartier Watches
18k Gold
1990s Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cartier Watches
Ruby, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
20th Century Swiss Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
2010s French Cartier Watches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Early 2000s French Aesthetic Movement Cartier Watches
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
2010s Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
1980s Vintage Cartier Watches
Vermeil, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Rose Gold, Silver
2010s Swiss Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
1960s French Vintage Cartier Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
2010s Swiss Modern Cartier Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Yellow Gold, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel, Silver
2010s Italian Cartier Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Silver, Steel
1980s Vintage Cartier Watches
Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s Swiss Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Cartier Watches
Steel
1990s Swiss Cartier Watches
Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Cartier Watches
Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs
Creators Similar to Cartier
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- How much is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of Cartier bracelets varies based on age, condition, and rarity. The least expensive versions of the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, can still cost around $4,000. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of Cartier bracelets for sale.
- Is Panthere designed by Cartier?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier Panthere is one of the brand's most distinctive and iconic shapes, replicating a panther head adorned with gems and jewels. The first panther pattern to appear in the Cartier line was on a watch for women, created in 1914. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry and watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021As one of the top luxury jewelry houses in the world, Cartier uses some of the finest quality materials. The company uses 18k gold in their jewelry and real diamonds.
- Is Cartier a British company?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Cartier is not a British company. The luxury jewelry maker was founded in Paris in 1847. However, the brand was a jeweler to the British royals, with King Edward VII ordering 27 tiaras for his coronation. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What diamonds does Cartier use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Cartier exclusively uses diamonds from classes D through H to ensure that the gemstones are colorless and have little or no fluorescence. Their high standards contribute to the quality of the luxury jewelry maker's pieces. Shop a collection of Cartier diamonds from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- Does Cartier use platinum?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Cartier uses platinum in the production of their jewelry and other items. In fact, Alfred Cartier and his three sons are credited with mastering this metal and creating a process that made it possible for jewelers to use this metal efficiently. Find vintage and contemporary Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is the Cartier screwdriver gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier website does not state whether the Love bracelet screwdriver is 18k gold like the bracelet. However, according to owners, the screwdriver is not gold but gold-plated. New screwdrivers can be purchased if you lose or break one or they may be replaced by Cartier. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Cartier Love jewelry from top sellers around the world.
- Does Cartier have rings for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Cartier sells rings for men. The luxury jewelry house produces numerous band rings, including the 1895 wedding band, the C DE, the Love and the D'Amour wedding band. In addition, the brand offers a ring version of its Trinity bracelet. The piece combines yellow, white and rose gold bands to symbolize love, friendship and fidelity. Find a selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- Is Cartier Crash for men?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Originally, the Cartier Crash was a watch designed for men. However, upon its reintroduction in 2012, the watch was also marketed towards women, with a gorgeous bracelet in either an 18k white gold or rose gold case and diamond crown. Shop a collection of Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a range of Cartier watches that are highly iconic to the brand. The Cartier Tank watch is one of the classic options. The Panthère de Cartier and Clé de Cartier watches are also popular pieces. Shop a range of authentic Cartier watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What gold is a Cartier bracelet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Most Cartier bracelets are 18-karat gold. Some pieces like the acclaimed Love bracelet come in yellow, rose and white gold. In addition, Cartier makes some of their bracelets out of platinum. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Cartier bracelets.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cartier only uses high-quality diamonds in their jewelry designs. The brand works only with gemstones that rank as Very Good or Excellent for cut and between IF and VS2 for clarity according to GIA standards. On 1stDibs, find a range of Cartier diamond jewelry.
- Who designed the Cartier Crash?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Rupert Emmerson and Jean-Jacques Cartier designed the Cartier Crash watch. It debuted in 1967. The classic Cartier Oval provided a starting point for the watch, and its crumpled dial reflected the mod fashion trends of the 1960s. Shop a variety of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cartier panther, or panthère, is a symbol of fierce femininity, luxury and sophistication. Cartier continues to produce high-quality jewelry that features its panthère motif, highlighting the brand's creativity. Find a wide range of Cartier pieces, including panthère, on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The original Cartier Tank watch, which was emblematic of a stark departure from the renowned jewelry house’s curved and round watch faces in that its case resembled the FT-17’s cockpit, served as a sleek update to the Santos watch. Crafted in 1917, one year before the Great War came to a close, Cartier’s Tank watch reportedly borrowed its clean, sharp lines and boxy silhouette from France’s legendary Renault FT-17 light tank, itself a compact and extraordinary design that inspired numerous copies. When the Tank watch went to market, Cartier offered a limited run in Paris. After those quickly sold, it was given a name, the Tank Normale. The timepiece took off in popularity, but only slightly more than 30 were made in 1920 and annual production has been slow over the years since then. Find Cartier Tank watches on 1stDibs.
Read More

15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.

The 6 Most Popular Brands for Luxury Watches
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.

The Personal Luxury Goods Market amid COVID-19
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.