Cartier Watches

Questions About Cartier Watches

• What does Must de Cartier mean?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024

  Must de Cartier means "Cartier, It's a Must." The advertising slogan of the French luxury jewelry maker was created by former Cartier President Robert Hocq during the 1970s. In 1974, he partnered with Alain-Dominique Perrin to create a line of watches inspired by the saying, the full text of which is "Le Must de Cartier." On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Cartier watches.

• Are Cartier watches automatic?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024

  Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.
  
  While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.
  
  It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904. 
  
  Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch 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. 
  
  Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs.

• What Cartier watch did Princess Diana wear?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024

  Princess Diana actually wore more than one Cartier watch. The Princess of Wales's father, John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer, reportedly once gifted her a Cartier Louis Tank watch with an alligator leather strap. During the late 1990s, Diana frequently sported a yellow gold Tank Française. Prince Andrew received the watch after her death and presented it to his now-wife Meghan Markle. Also, she sometimes wore a Panthère de Cartier, a gift from Dodi Fayed. Shop a wide range of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.

• Who makes Cartier watch movements?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024

  Who makes Cartier watch movements varies. The luxury maker does produce some of its movements in-house, such as the 1904 MC, the 1847 MC and the 1917 MC. In addition, it has also utilized movements manufactured by other makers, including ETA, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, Rolex and Girard-Perregaux. Find a diverse assortment of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.

• Are Cartier watches popular?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024

  While trends in collecting do change over time, Cartier watches generally remain popular. The luxury maker produces 400,000 to 500,000 timepieces per year and was the second-largest luxury maker in terms of gross sales after Rolex in several years, including 2023. Some of the best-known Cartier watches are the Cartier Tank, the Panthère de Cartier, the Santos de Cartier, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, the Calibre de Cartier, the Drive de Cartier and the Pasha de Cartier. Find a wide range of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.

• What watch is the Cartier Crash based on?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024

  The watch that the Cartier Crash may have been based on is the Cartier Maxi Oval, also known as the Baignoire Allongée. One theory is that the watch's creators, Jean-Jacques Cartier and Rupert Emmerson, became inspired to create the Crash after seeing a damaged Maxi Oval that a customer brought in after he was involved in a car accident. Another theory is that the designers drew inspiration from Salvador Dalí's famous work, The Persistence of Memory. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier watches.

• How much does the Cartier Crash watch cost?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024

  How much the Cartier Crash watch costs varies. Contemporary editions of the avant-garde timepiece typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars, while select vintage and limited-edition models may fetch selling prices of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jean-Jacques Cartier and Rupert Emmerson designed the Crash watch, which debuted in 1967. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Cartier watches.

• Is a Cartier watch worth it?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024

  Many watch lovers believe that Cartier watches are worth it. The French luxury house is one of the most well-known and internationally revered watchmakers in the world. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch, one of the world's first modern wrist watches for men. Cartier’s other famous watches include the Tank watch, inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Cartier watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Cartier watches and other watches for sale on 1stDibs.

• Why Cartier is so expensive?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  One 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024

  There 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Cartier 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  The 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022

  Cartier 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024

  The 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Today, 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.

• What is so special about Cartier?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025

  Cartier 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024

  No, 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.

• How can you tell if something is Cartier?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024

  To 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.

• How do I authenticate my Cartier lighter?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023

  To 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Yes, 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022

  How 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.

• What does the Cartier bracelet symbolize?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023

  What 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.

• What are Cartier sunglasses called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023

  Sometimes, 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.

• Why is the Cartier Tank so popular?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023

  The 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022

  Pasha 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 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Unnamed 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.

• What is the most famous Cartier watch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  What 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.

• What is so special about Cartier glasses?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023

  There 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.