Most people don’t associate the name Cartier with watches since they associate it more closely with high-end jewelry. However, if we look back far enough in time, we can see that Cartier was originally a watchmaker. Being the first in their field, Cartier watches are an excellent investment because they will never go out of style.
A square Cartier watch with a white dial and roman numerals is instantly recognizable as a design classic. In addition, historical evidence reveals that the resale value of Cartier watches original timepieces has been consistently strong.
The History Of Cartier
To understand how Cartier became the iconic luxury goods label that it is today, we must first trace its origins.
- Louis-Francois Cartier started the company in 1847 when he took over his master’s workshop in Paris.
- The original Cartier store opened its doors in Paris in 1859.
- The Cartier family’s heirs took the company globally by opening shops in New York and London in addition to the original Parisian headquarters.
- Cartier, a premium watchmaker, gained notoriety for its unconventional design choices, such as using platinum in jewelry and its inspiration from the Renault tanks of World War I. Cartier was known as the “Jeweler of King, King of Jewelers” for his pioneering attitude.
- The Santos de Cartier, a high-end timepiece that Cartier made for his friend, the Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, is credited for increasing the wearability of wristwatches among males. To that point, pocketwatches had been largely restricted to male users. When Santos-Dumont began wearing one, it quickly became a trendy must-have.
- Cartier remained in the family until 1964. Currently, it operates as a Richemont Group company focused on the watch industry in Switzerland. It keeps three ancient “Maisons,” or homes, in Paris, New York, and London. Its main office is still located in the French capital of Paris.
- Cartier is the 56th most valuable brand globally, with a value of USD 12.4 billion by 2022.
The Worth Of Cartier Watches Over Time
Unlike other luxury timepieces, Cartier watches continue to rise in price over time, just like gold. Most vintage Cartier watches are resold for a profit because of their status as collectible heirlooms that, with appropriate care, can live for generations.
Because of Cartier’s long history as a jewelry designer, the company uses only the finest precious metals in their timepieces, earning them a reputation as high-priced collectibles. Cartier also has its own state-of-the-art watchmaking labs, where the company’s renowned precision timepieces are developed.
If you want to know how much Cartier watches price, all you have to do is go to any dealer in a watch store. It’s no secret that pre-owned Cartier watches sell for exorbitant sums at auction.
Is Cartier a Good Watch Brand?
Though now synonymous with high-end jewelry and accessories, Cartier was originally known for its precision timepieces. Although Cartier is best known as a luxury fashion house, the company has a long and illustrious history in the watch industry.
Cartier has labs worldwide where they work on perfecting their timepieces and creating new and exciting horological inventions.
When you buy a Cartier watch, you can be confident that you are receiving a product of the finest quality, both in terms of the technology utilized to create the watch and the materials used to create the watch case.
What Are The Best-Selling Cartier Timepieces?
Collectible watch enthusiasts and others love Cartier’s wide selection of high-quality timepieces. Collectors worldwide are eager to get their hands on one of its watches because of its illustrious history and reputation for producing opulent, unique, and durable timepieces. They know that only premium materials are utilized, hence the Cartier watches price is high.
Tank Louis Cartier
The Tank has achieved near-cult status and remains popular even in its pre-worn form. Over the years, it has undergone numerous changes, such as the addition of tiny complexities to the Tank Louis Cartier series and the development of the more traditional, rectangular Tank Americaine. Classic Tank Louis Cartier watches in rose gold or steel are popular among fans.
However, Cartier’s signature elegance and clean design is present in each and every model in the expansive Tank family, which spans countless iterations thanks to its many possible permutations in complications, straps, and metals.
Calibre De Cartier
The vast selection of models in the Calibre de Cartier range, including chronographs and diving watches, makes it a popular choice among sports fans, particularly those who enjoy activities in or near the water. Cartier introduced this line in 2010; it exemplifies the values of sophistication and class that the company has promoted since its inception.
Santos De Cartier
The Santos de Cartier series is a nod to the company’s pioneering wristwatch. Louis-Francois Cartier, a buddy of the aviator as mentioned above, designed the Santos wristwatch in 1904. The pilot’s employment of a Cartier Santos on the world’s first public engine-powered flight was essential in establishing the watchmaker’s credibility. The big Santos de Cartier model with the stainless steel band, automatic movement, and white dial is currently one of the most sought-after pieces in the brand’s inventory.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to buy a Cartier watch as an investment, pick a style you like because you might be keeping it for a while if the price goes up.
How quickly consumers’ tastes vary concerning whether a watch is uncommon or readily available and its usefulness makes it impossible to forecast which luxury watches will be in high demand.