The clock’s ticking—it’s time to invest in a stunning Cartier watch. As a renowned luxury brand, Cartier is one of the best in the business for men’s and women’s timepieces. Whether you’re looking for a dainty, elegant wristwatch for everyday wear or a diamond-encrusted design for a once-in-a-lifetime present, Cartier has it all—it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
What Makes Cartier Watches Special?
With signature jewelry lines and a wide selection of men’s and women’s watches, one thing is sure—Cartier has solidified itself as a household name. But why? Known for durability, longevity, and timeless allure, Cartier watches and jewelry pieces stand the test of time.
Cartier promises a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship with every single timepiece, from hand-assembling to professional gem-setting techniques and beyond. Every Swiss-made Cartier watch is crafted from high-quality materials and made in a variety of styles to ensure your favorite Cartier timepiece lasts you a lifetime.
Do Cartier Watches Use Roman Numerals?
Save for a few contemporary designs, Cartier uses Roman numerals for almost all of its dials. This nod to traditional watchmaking practices adds to the brand’s signature look and gives each timepiece a formal feel.
The Fascinating History of the First Cartier Watch
Did you know that the first Cartier timepiece was developed by founder Louis-Francois Cartier in 1904? The idea was born from a very specific request by Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who had expressed frustration at using pocket watches while flying in a plane. Louis took the project under his wings, designing a simple Cartier men’s watch known as the “Santos” with a flat face and small bezel that helped the wearer tell the time with a quick glance.
A Closer Look At the Most Popular Cartier Models
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Santos: with a distinctive square case and masculine look, the first Cartier men’s watch design is a bold statement.
- Tank: with a rectangular case and minimalist aesthetic, the Tank is Cartier’s most iconic design.
- Panthère: with a square case and rounded corners, the Panthère is considered a more delicate and feminine style.
- Ballon Bleu: with an iconic circle-within-a-circle case and distinguishable colored accents, the Ballon Bleu combines the dainty look of fine jewelry with durable watch designs.
- Calibre: with chronograph features and a round case shape, the Calibre design is known for its versatility.
- Drive: with a slightly angular, round case shape and signature detailing, the Drive watch embodies a retro feel, drawing inspiration from vintage automobiles.
- Pasha: with an oversized round shape and Arabic numerals, the Pasha watch gives a more modern vibe.
Recommended Considerations for Choosing a Cartier Watch
Investing in a new Ballon Blue watch for your collection is a purchase that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Guarantee that you end up with the perfect timepiece by considering each of these elements carefully before buying:
Price Point and Budget
It’s important to be realistic about how much you can afford to spend on a watch. We understand that everyone’s budget is different. Luckily, when it comes to Cartier watches, there’s no need to break the bank.
Cartier men’s and women’s watches can be found in a wide range of prices, with the lowest being around $600 and the highest almost $60,000. The final price tag could depend on a variety of factors, such as age, features, collections, and more. The average Carter watch costs around $4,000, so if you’re planning on shopping for its most popular designs, plan to set aside a couple of grand to give yourself realistic expectations.
Preferred Style and Aesthetic
When it comes down to buying any accessory, the final decision always boils down to your personal style. Would the Tank Louis watch match your minimalist jewelry? Do you prefer flashy statement pieces that draw all eyes to you? Will it be worn alone or in a stack with other bracelets?
As you browse, ask yourself exactly how the Cartier women’s watches you’re looking at will suit your existing collection of accessories and complement your favorite outfits.
The Seven Most Common Cartier Watch Shapes
Any designer watch collector worth their salt can tell you that the Cartier timepiece cases come in at least seven shapes, including:
- Rectangular
- Square
- Oval
- Round
- Curved square
- Round ball
- Curvey rectangle
Types of Watch Movements from Cartier
A watch movement, or caliber, refers to the internal mechanism that allows a watch to tell time accurately. Cartier timepieces have three types of watch movements, each with its own pros and cons.
Cartier men’s watches with a quartz movement do not require winding, sending an electrical current from a battery to the small quartz crystal to ensure consistent timekeeping. Manual movement timepieces have a mainspring, the part that powers the watch, that must be hand-wound. Automatic or self-winding watches are wound automatically when the wearer moves their wrist. As you shop for a watch of your own, consider which type of watch movement works best with your lifestyle.
Lifestyle and Intended Use
It’s important to take your unique lifestyle into account when shopping for a Cartier timepiece. Are you looking for something subtle enough to wear to your office job? Do you prefer a special occasion piece like the gold Panthère diamond-encrusted timepiece that you’ll reserve for only the most upscale galas and outfits? As you walk around your local jewelry shop, picture where, when, and how often you’d wear your new watch to determine which design aligns with your needs.
Pre-Owned vs. New Designer Watches
At this point, Cartier has been producing dazzling watches for over a hundred years. If the new Cartier watches aren’t speaking to you or are outside of your budget, it’s worth inquiring about pre-owned designs. The pre-owned market of antique timepieces can often offer a wide selection of models and styles that are no longer made at affordable price points.
Insider tip: plenty of reputable watch shops sell pre-owned Cartier timepieces for you to try on, complete with watch repair services to make sure everything is ticking the way it should! Just make sure the design you choose comes with the proper authentication papers to prove you’re not purchasing a counterfeit.
Whether you’re selecting a thoughtful gift for a loved one or treating yourself “just because,” a luxe Cartier watch never fails to impress. With heirloom-quality construction and timeless styles to choose from, the brand offers a timepiece for every wrist.
