Cartier is among the most well-known and respected brands at Haute Horlogerie. It has thrived in the skill since its establishment in 1847 by seasoned French watch and jewelry maker Louis- Francois Cartier. Its timepieces boast mouth-watering features like bold Roman numerals, blue steel hands, and a chemin de fer chapter ring.
Their luxurious profile and professional craftsmanship have won them a massive following from even the choosiest watch connoisseurs and celebrities. Naturally, some models have a more cult-like status than others since they retain their value better. Others even go on to cost more in the pre-owned market!
So, which are the most popular and coveted Cartier watches that’ll look good on your wrist while earning you tonnes of bucks in profit? Let’s find out in the Cartier watch review below.
1. Cartier Panthere de Cartier, Small Model – Rose Gold, Silvered Dial Ref. WJPN0008
About
This is a luxury women’s watch that also doubles as a piece of jewelry. And it’s easy to see why.
The 22mm case and bracelet are made from beautiful 18K Rose Gold, with the bezel and crown decorated with diamonds and the body taking a sensually slender shape. Its bracelet’s flexible links are designed to emulate the watch’s feline namesake’s stealthy strides.
Features
Its features include water resistance to 30m, a bezel with finely-cut diamonds, a quartz movement, a pull/push crown with a diamond, minute markers around the inner ring, Roman numeral hour markers, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 22mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silvered with blue sword-shaped hands and Roman hour markers
- Bracelet – Five-piece link 18K Rose Gold, with hidden foldover clasp
- Bezel – Fixed 18K Rose Gold bezel with 36 diamonds
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Quartz
Why You Should Invest?
Its average market price increased from S$21,758 on July 19, 2022, to S$21,762 on January 14, 2023.
2. Cartier Santos Medium – Rose Gold, Silver Dial Ref. WGSA0012
About
The Santos de Cartier square watch was the first men’s wristwatch at a time when pocket watches were popular. It was created in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The pilot’s watch is mostly a gentlemen’s piece, but this Cartier Santos Rose Gold WGSA0012 model is a luxury piece for the elegant and adventurous modern woman.
It has a shimmering square-shaped 18K Rose Gold 35mm case that houses a silver dial and automatic 1847 MC movement. It’s among the square watches with strong interchangeable leather straps that give it a welcome sporty feel.
Features
Its best ones are a seven-sided crown with a blue faceted sapphire, a bezel with eight screws, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial, water resistance to 100m, a Santos bracelet with a QuickSwitch interchangeability system, and an automatic Caliber 1847 MC movement.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 35mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silvered opaline with blue sword-shaped hands and Roman hour markers
- Bracelet – 2 straps: Dark-gray alligator and calfskin leather, with a QuickSwitch interchangeability system and 18K Rose Gold double adjustable folding buckle
- Bezel – Fixed 18K Rose Gold, with 8 screws
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 1847 MC movement with 23 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
The Cartier Santos collection is popular among famous fans like Chris Pratt and Tom Cruise. Plus, this medium size watch’s price increased by 3% between 2020 and 2022.
3. Cartier Tank Solo – Rose Gold, Silver Dial Ref. W5200026
About
Synonymous with power and luxury, the Cartier Tank Solo W5200026 is a (mostly) women’s rectangular watch that’s a sure head-turner.
From its slim 18K Rose Gold rectangular-shaped case to its shimmering blue sapphire cabochon and smooth alligator bracelet, it’s designed for ladies looking to make a statement. It’s powered by Cartier’s Caliber 049 movement and has a lovely opaline silver dial protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Features
An excellent place to begin would be its date aperture at 6 o’clock. It also boasts a circular 18K Rose Gold crown with a blue sapphire cabochon, a self-winding Cartier Caliber 049 movement, water resistance to 30m, a brown alligator strap with a gorgeous pattern, and an 18K Rose Gold bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 31mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Opaline silver, with printed black railroad minute track, blue steel sword-shaped hands, and black Roman numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Brown alligator, with an 18K Rose Gold tang buckle
- Bezel – Fixed 18K Rose Gold
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Cartier Caliber 049 movement with 21 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s a popular piece along with the Tank Louis Cartier. Plus, its value increased by 5% between 2019 and January 2023.
4. Cartier Pasha – Stainless Stainless Steel, Silver Flinque Dial Ref. WSPA0013
About
This is a luxury ladies’ timepiece that perfectly brings out feminine beauty and grace. It’s also among the few round watches in Cartier’s lineup to break the all-Roman numeral hour markers monotony.
It has a round steel 35mm case, a crown fixed to the case by a small chain, an eye-catching dial that contrasts the fully-steel background and smooth, stylish bracelets that are easy on the wrist.
Features
Some of the main ones are bracelets with the ‘QuickSwitch’ interchangeability system, a crown cap and crown set with synthetic spinel cabochon, Roman numerals at 12,3,6 and 9 o’clock positions, water resistance to 100m, an automatic in-house movement, and a transparent case back.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 35mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silver flinque patterned, with four Arabic numeral hour markers, blued-steel diamond-shaped hands and a blue seconds hand
- Bracelet – 2: Stainless steel bracelet with a ‘SmartLink’ adjustment system and navy alligator-skin leather strap, both with a ‘QuickSwitch’ interchangeability system
- Bezel – Fixed stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 1847 movement with 23 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Its price increased by 2% between 2022 and January 2023.
5. Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 42 – Stainless Steel, Black Dial Ref. WSBB0015
About
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier WSBB0015 is a casual men’s watch with an exciting charm. It evokes masculinity and confidence with its all-black makeup, except for the white Roman numeral hour markers, sword-shaped hands and red second hand that promote legibility and bring some dramatic contrast.
The black calfskin completes the sporty design very well, and the automatic 1847 MC movement ensures the timepiece is always ready for action.
Features
They include an automatic Cartier Caliber 1847 MC movement, minute markers around an inner ring, date display at 3 o’clock, water resistance to 30m, a fluted crown with a black synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, luminescent hands and markers, and a strap with a steel double-adjustable folding buckle.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2017
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with luminous sword-shaped hands, white Roman numeral hour markers and a red seconds hand
- Bracelet – Black calfskin, with steel double-adjustable folding buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, ADLC-coated stainless steel
- Function: Chronograph, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Bvlgari Caliber BVL 328 Velocissimo movement with 31 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve, and 36,000vph frequency. It features a Chronograph-silicon escapement and is decorated with cotes de Geneve, chamfering, and snailed finishing
Why You Should Invest?
Its average market value increased from S$5,291 on July 20, 2022, to S$5,550 on January 15, 2023.
6. Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver – Stainless Steel and Rose Gold, Blue Dial Ref. W2CA0008
About
This is a rugged men’s diver watch with a handsome and functional look. It has a sturdy 42mm brushed stainless steel case with a unidirectional 18K Rose Gold rotating bezel with a ceramic ring. The bezel has contours for easier turning, even when underwater.
This modern watch also has a neat and legible illuminated dial, powerful automatic movement and a comfortable, sporty bracelet, equipping it for an enjoyable time in the water.
Features
Some of its most impressive features are an 18K Rose Gold crown with a blue synthetic faceted spinel, a date aperture at 3 o’clock that displays yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s dates, a small-seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, a unidirectional rotating bezel with luminous graduations and markers, water resistance to 300m, and a self-winding Caliber 1904- PS MC movement.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue, with 18K Rose Gold luminous hands and a mixture of Roman numeral and index hour markers (the XII marker is luminous)
- Bracelet – Black calfskin leather strap with rubber back and blue stitching and tang buckle clasp
- Bezel – Stainless steel, with inlaid blue ceramic ring and illuminated 60-minute graduations and markers
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 1904- PS MC movement with 27 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Its price increased by 4 percent between 2019 and 2022. Experts predict the number will be higher in 2023 due to the watch’s growing popularity.
7. Cartier Drive de Cartier – Stainless Steel, Silver Dial Ref. WSNM0004
About
The Cartier Drive de Cartier WSNM0004 is a versatile men’s watch with a unique case shape and alluring design. It has a solid stainless steel case with polished edges, a polished bezel and a tasteful silvered flinque dial. Its casual alligator skin strap is tailored to suit the active and fashion-conscious gentleman’s preference for unmatched comfort.
Features
Some of the main ones are a sub-dial at 6 o’clock, an automatic winding Caliber 1904-PS MC movement, a blued steel leaf-shaped seconds hand, a date complication, water resistance to 30m, an octagonal steel crown with a faceted blue synthetic spinel, and a strap with a steel double adjustable folding buckle.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silvered flinque, with bold Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel sword-shaped hands
- Bracelet – Black alligator skin strap with steel double adjustable folding buckle
- Bezel – Fixed smooth stainless steel
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 1904-PS MC movement with 27 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It appreciates in value with time, with its price going up by S$1000+ between 2019 and January 16, 2023.
8. Cartier Cle de Cartier 35 – Stainless Steel, Silver Dial Ref. WSCL0006
About
This Cle de Cartier model is a luxury women’s timepiece with a simple yet effective design. Its subtle curves and steel and blue combination are a winning recipe for timeless elegance among today’s ladies with a penchant for style.
This bracelet watch has a polished steel 35mm case that’s complemented by the steel bezel and bracelet. Its silver dial, blue silverware and Roman numerals are the delicious icing on this watch’s proverbial cake.
Features
Its most impressive ones are a key-shaped crown (‘Cle’) set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon, a date aperture at 6 o’clock, a minute tracker on the dial’s perimeter, an automatic Caliber 1847 MC movement, a silver dial with a sunray guilloche pattern center, and water resistance to 30m.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 35mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silvered flinque, with blue Roman numeral hour markers, blued steel sword-shaped hands and a blue seconds hand
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, with a hidden folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 1847 MC movement with 23 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Its price has been increasing since 2021, with it up by 3-4% so far on January 16, 2023.
Comparison Table
The table below summarizes the major points of the Cartier watches we’ve picked in the Cartier watch review above.
| Model | Key Features |
| Cartier Panthere de Cartier | • Bezel with finely-cut diamonds • Quartz movement • Pull/push crown with a diamond |
| Cartier Santos | • Bezel with eight screws • Bracelets with a QuickSwitch interchangeability system • Automatic Caliber 1847 MC movement |
| Cartier Tank Solo | • Date aperture at 6 o’clock • Circular 18K Rose Gold crown with a blue sapphire cabochon • Self-winding Cartier Caliber 049 movement |
| Cartier Pasha | • Crown cap and crown set with synthetic spinel cabochon • Roman numerals at 12,3,6 and 9 o’clock positions • Automatic in-house Caliber 1847 movement |
| Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier | • Water resistance to 30m • Fluted crown with a black synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel • Luminescent hands and markers |
| Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver | • Date aperture at 3 o’clock that displays yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s dates • Unidirectional rotating bezel with luminous graduations and markers • Self-winding Caliber 1904- PS MC movement |
| Cartier Drive de Cartier | • Sub-dial at 6 o’clock • Blued steel leaf-shaped seconds hand • Strap with a stainless steel double adjustable folding buckle |
| Cartier Cle de Cartier | • Key-shaped crown set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon • Minute tracker on the dial’s perimeter • Silver dial with a sunray guilloche pattern center |
The most expensive timepiece on the list is the Cartier Panthere de Cartier WJPN0008 (S$34-35K plus). Meanwhile, the Cartier Cle de Cartier 35 WSCL006 (Less than S$8,000) is the most affordable.
Our favorite features are the Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver W2CA0008’s extended date window at 3 o’clock and the unidirectional rotating bezel with luminous graduations and markers. The contoured bezel helps measure diving time. And, its unidirectional characteristic ensures the wearer is safe during accidental manipulation while in water.
FAQs
1. Are Cartier watches worth it?
Cartier watches are worth it. They meet modern standards, have a rich history, have unique designs, and they’re made from some of the best and most durable materials- including premium-grade precious metals. Plus, most of them are pretty rare, increasing their demand among watch fans.
2. Do Cartier make good watches?
Cartier makes some of the most coveted timers in the horological scene and world. Its watchmakers use various 3D models to ensure their functionality and durability.
Additionally, each piece undergoes strict assembly procedures, namely: Construction, painting, CNC machine processes, polishing, and inspection, so you, the collector cum enthusiast, gets nothing but the best.
3. Do Cartier watches hold value?
Cartier watches hold value, with most even appreciating in worth depending on the materials used to create them, their age, and their authenticity. An example is the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 42 WSBB0015, whose average market value increased from S$5,480 in 2022 to S$5,630 in 2023.
4. Is Cartier better than Rolex?
No, Rolex is far better than Cartier. This is because Rolex makes mechanical watches. Its watches are more accurate than most mechanical watches. Plus, its timers appreciate in value faster and they’re rarer, promising a heftier resale price on the market.
Final Word
La Maison is in a class of its own when it comes to popular luxury and casual watches. It delivers some of the best, most durable, and most aesthetically-appealing high-end watches in the watch industry, as we’ve seen in the review above.
Key Takeaways
- Cartier watches are made from quality new materials, including precious metals and stones, increasing their desirability among watch connoisseurs and novices.
- Cartier watches are an excellent investment since they retain their price and appreciate in value with time.
- Cartier watches possess desirable features like a chemin de fer chapter ring, bold Roman numerals, and blued steel hands that give them an edge over the rest.
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