Cartier Tank French Lady
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Cartier Tank French Lady
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Cartier
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- Cartier Solo Tank Watch 2011By CartierLocated in Saint Ouen, FRCARTIER Solo Tank Watch Supplied with its carrying case Black crocodile strap. CIRCA 2011 WATER RESISTANT Steel, diamonds, quartz and sapphire crown. Cart...Category
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MaterialsQuartz, Sapphire
- Rolex Oyster Lady, 2004By RolexLocated in Saint Ouen, FRRolex Oyster lady Tout Or 18 carats Bracelet jubilé ou Cadran ou Boîte/papier Circa 2004 5900 eurosCategory
1990s Wrist Watches
- French Army Watch Type 21 by Dodane, 1955Located in Saint Ouen, FRDodane type 21 montre de l'armée de l'air française acier/bracelet cuir mécanique fonction flyback (retour en vol) 40mm diamètre rare version cadran noir...Category
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- Breitling Old Navitimer Limited Edition "Patrouille de France", 1995By BreitlingLocated in Saint Ouen, FRBreitling old Navitimer limited edition "Patrouille de France" First serie 1000 exemplaires circa 1995 mechanical movement A11021 blue dial logo patrouil...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Tudor Geneve ChronomasterBy TudorLocated in Saint Ouen, FRtudor Black Bay limited edition bronze Ref. 79250BM Around 2019 Bronze case Mechanical self-winding movement Leather strap and buckle signed in bronze Original box and paper new fr...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
- LIP stainless Steel Super Nautic-Ski Electronic Wristwatch, circa 1972Located in Saint Ouen, FRLIP Rare Super Nautic-Ski, circa 1972 Steel, rubber strap. Blue dial. Electronic (battery to change). Box. LIP.R184. Warranty 1 year.Category
Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches
- Cartier Tank Louis Cartier WristwatchBy CartierLocated in London, GBHere we have a classic and quintessential timepiece from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. The Cartier Tank has been an icon for over 100 years with its rectangular shap...Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Tank Francaise 2365By CartierLocated in Surfside, FLShowstopping diamond paved Cartier Tank Francaise 18K white gold, with approximately 6 carats in factory original diamond bezel and bracelet. Di...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsWhite Gold
- Cartier Tank Américaine WatchBy CartierLocated in London, GBThe Tank Américaine watch was first launched in 1989. This is a small model with quartz movement. The case is in a white gold set with brilliant cut d...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond
- Cartier TANK MUST WATCH REDBy CartierLocated in London, GBTank Must watch, large model, quartz movement. Steel case, beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, claret lacquered dial, polished steel sw...Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Cartier Tank Francaise W51008q3By CartierLocated in Surfside, FLCartier Tank Francaise in stainless steel. Quartz. Case size 20 mm width and 25 mm length lug to lug. Ref W51008q3. Circa 2010s. Fine Pre-owned ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Cartier Tank Américaine Diamond WristwatchBy CartierLocated in London, GBHere we have a beautiful ladies timepiece from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. The Cartier Tank has been an icon for over 100 years with its rectangular shaped case; i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, White Gold
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