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.
Vintage Cartier Paris Enamel Gold Plated Brass Manual Table Clock
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Paris table alarm clock, manual winding Made in Switzerland approximately 1980 Gold plated brass case Enamel detail around the frame, shows some wear consistent with age Hall...
Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
1950s Cartier Vintage Gold Eight Day Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This aesthetically captivating authentic circa 1950 Cartier eight-day desk clock is made with a solid 14K yellow gold case. It is rendered in artfully textured gold, adding a glitter...
14k Gold, Gold
Cartier Colisee Gold Plated White Dial Quartz Desk Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Inspired by Cartier’s 1920s Art Deco style, this Colisée desk clock features a white enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals, a minute track, black sword hands, and a white alarm...
Gold Plate
$675
H 2.37 in W 2.37 in
Vintage Jaeger Mechanical Desk/Travel Alarm Clock – Art Deco Brass & Bakelite
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
Vintage Jaeger Mechanical Desk/Travel Alarm Clock – Art Deco Brass & Bakelite – Original Box – French Made (1930s–50s) A beautiful and rare find, this Jaeger mechanical alarm clock offers vintage style, functionality, and collectible value—all in one compact piece. Likely produced between the 1930s and 1950s, this charming French-made Art Deco desk or travel clock is presented in very good vintage condition and comes with its original Jaeger presentation box. This clock reflects the high standard of craftsmanship associated with Jaeger, a predecessor and partner to Jaeger-LeCoultre, long before the official merger. Its brass-tone metal case, paired with a black Bakelite surround and base, frames a striking gold-tone dial with raised Arabic numerals and luminous cathedral-style hands. Powered by a manual wind mechanical movement, the clock features a fully functioning independent alarm with separate winding and clear French-labeled controls on the backplate—“Aig. Mouv.” / “Rem. Mouv.” for time, and “Aig. Rév.” / “Rem. Rév.” for alarm settings. Key Features: Brand: Jaeger (pre-Jaeger-LeCoultre) Type: Mechanical desk/travel alarm clock Origin: France Era: 1930s–1950s Case: Brass-tone frame with black Bakelite surround and base Dial: Gold-tone with raised Arabic numerals and luminous cathedral hands Movement: Manual wind (separate winding for time and alarm) Alarm: Manual set and wind, with functional on/off switch Regulator: A/R (Avance / Retard) lever for fine adjustment Dimensions: Approx. 6cm x 6cm face Box: Original Jaeger-branded maroon presentation box (well worn, but intact) Condition Overview: Clock: Excellent for age, with only minor surface wear and patina Crystal: Clear and free from cracks or chips Functionality: Keeps accurate time and alarm function works as intended Box: Original with vintage wear but structurally sound Our View: A wonderful piece of pre-Jaeger-LeCoultre history, this vintage Jaeger alarm...
Cartier Onyx & Mother of Pearl Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Mother of Pearl, Onyx, and Gilt Brass Desk Clock Description: A majestic Cartier desk clock, crafted from mother of pearl, onyx, and gilt brass, embodying timeless sophistication. The octagonal clock...
Onyx, Pearl, Enamel
Asprey Rock Crystal, Diamond & Enamel Desk Clock
By Asprey
Located in New York, NY
Asprey Rock Crystal, Diamond & Enamel Desk Clock Description: A magnificent Asprey Rock Crystal desk clock, exuding the elegance of the Art Deco era. This exceptional timepiece is f...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Desktop Alarm Clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Desktop Alarm Clock - Manual winding; movement by Gerald Genta. Brass case ( 69 mm ). Black dial with white roman numerals signed Saudi Marketing & General...
Cartier Mystery Prism Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
The Cartier Mystery Prism Desk Clock is a testament to the brand's commitment to both horological excellence and artistic design. Cartier, renowned for its luxury timepieces and jewelry, created this desk clock as a distinctive and elegant addition to their collection. Cartier Prism...
Cartier Travel Alarm Clock Ref. 2705, Box and Papers, 2004
By Cartier
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Cartier Travel Alarm Clock Ref. 2705, Box and Papers, 2004 A sophisticated and highly collectible Cartier travel alarm clock, reference 2705, exemplifies the maison’s commitment to r...
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Desk Clock with Alarm Feature, 1950's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tiffany & Co. by Concord STYLE / REFERENCE: Alarm METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length X Diameter MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a unique clock...
An Art-Deco c1930's S/Steel Rectangle DOXA Watch. Manual Movement. Antimagnetic.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of sought-after Rectangle Shape, Case measures 20mm x 38mm (including lugs) & performed in Stainless Steel Featuring stainless steel stretchable Flexible Bracelet "Elasto-Fixo" w...
Steel
Cartier Tank Basculante Ref 2390 Mécanique 'Manual' Rectangle Watch, Full Set
By Cartier
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks, Cartier Tank Wristwatches are iconic & instantly recognizable timepieces. This particular example is a sophisticated Cartier Tank Basculante reference 2390, seldom encountered & highly desirable. With its most pivotal feature - flip feature with reversible case (inspired by JLC's the Reverso watch...
Stainless Steel
Antique French 18K Yellow Gold & Enamel Bow/Ribbon Motif Brooch, Paris c1840's.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! Timeless and delightful, the bow has long been a cherished motif in fine jewellery...
Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique Chinese Cased Ink Stone, c1850's, Daoguang Emperor, Li Bai poem, 27cm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! Antique Chinese Cased Ink Stone, c1850's - Daoguang Emperor inscribed with vers...
Edwardian c1902 English Ink Well with Sterling Silver Top by James Deakin & Sons
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! Glass ink well with a sterling silver hinged top, bearing English hallmarks: lett...
Sterling Silver
Cyma Navystar Cymaflex Vintage c1956 Manual Gents’ Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Vintage Fine & Rare Cyma Navystar Cymaflex Gents’ Watch features: - Swiss Manual 17 jewels Signed Movement - 35mm Stainless Steel Case, numbered 2 5701 ...
Stainless Steel
Cartier understands the value of preserving the signature codes of great design, and how to tweak it for modern aficionados.
Throughout the season, timepieces are clues to the characters' character.
