Cartier is one of the few luxury watch brands that showcase a classic and contemporary style of watches. Most of their modern watches carry the same design cues as their vintage watches. In this article, we explore the intricacies of Cartier watch designs and why they are still relevant today.
Cartier watch style
Cartier watches are easily recognizable, even from a distance. It is mainly because the brand follows a distinct design unique to Cartier. One of the most common aspects of Cartier watches is their vertical rectangular case shape.
Another notable factor of a Cartier watch is the dial. The brand uses Roman numerals as the hour markers, again special to Cartier. Apart from this, there are several other noteworthy features of Cartier watches. Following are some of the factors related to the design of Cartier watches:
- Case size & shape
- Crown
- Dial
- The strap of the watch
Case size & shape
Cartier watches come in sizes ranging from 38 mm to 43.5 mm. It has been a standard size for the brand for a long time. It’s not only the size that has remained consistent but the shape as well.
While a few models of Cartier watches are circular in design, the most predominant one is a rectangular shape. From the first Cartier watch produced in 1904 to the most recent models launched in 2022, the brand has carried its rectangular case shape for over a century.
Crown
The crown of Cartier watches is also unique and different from that of other luxury watch brands. Almost all the premium watches feature a more or less similar crown design with their respective logos engraved.
However, Cartier has had something unique under its sleeve. The best way to describe a Cartier crown is a circular crown with fluted or non-fluted borders fitted with a Sapphire crystal ball. This particular crown type is not found on any other luxury watch, which is why it’s considered special.
Dial
As we have discussed above, most Cartier watches have a Roman numeral dial. Perhaps, there’s another factor related to the dial that has remained constant.
The majority of watches offered by Cartier feature a white dial. However, over the years, the brand has expanded its options, moving into blue and silver dials.
One of the main reasons Cartier has chosen to use white over other colors is the contemporary nature of the color. White dial watches are paired with different kinds of clothing. Thus, the popularity of white dial watches grew, making them a popular choice among Cartier watch models.
The strap of the watch
Cartier is one of the only luxury watch brands that has achieved its caliber of success and continues offering its watches in leather straps. While they have chain bracelets as an option, leather straps are still a part of their classic design element.
Therefore, if you are keen on buying a timepiece that accentuates your contemporary style, make sure to buy a Cartier watch with leather straps.
Most popular Cartier watch models
Cartier has a range of different watches as part of its lineup. Hence, we have included below some of the most popular models in high demand. These watches are also great investments, so if you are looking for lucrative timepieces to invest in, check out the list below:
- Panthère de Cartier
- Ballon Bleu de Cartier
- Santos De Cartier
- Cartier Tank
Panthère de Cartier
Introduced in the year 1987, this particular model of Cartier is the most popular model. Panthère de Cartier is offered as a men’s watch and a women’s watch. The colors of these models vary, thus making them distinguishable.
One of the successful versions of the Panthère de Cartier is the stainless steel and rose gold variant. Depending on its conditions, you can buy a Panthère de Cartier for AED 35,000 to AED 40,000 (Pre-owned). This is an incredible watch to wear and amplify your sense of fashion.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier was introduced in the year 2007 and has been one of the brand’s best-selling watches. What’s unique about Ballon Bleu de Cartier is its design.
Although preferences are subjective, we still think that the Ballon Bleu de Cartier is the most stylish luxury watch we have seen. The minimalist design with rugged proportions, complemented by its subtle colors, gives the watch an exquisite look.
Compared to other watch models the brand offers, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier is also slightly larger in proportions. Prices of this watch range from AED 20,000 to AED 44,000.
Santos De Cartier
A watch that glorifies glamor and luxury is the Santos De Cartier. This is another watch by the brand that is amongst the most sold models. The proportions of this watch are small compared to other Cartier watches. Nevertheless, the watch is equipped with top-notch materials and internal functionality, making it so desirable.
You can pick up a Santos De Cartier watch in Dubai for prices varying between AED 35,000 and AED 50,000. Some exclusive models, like the Skeleton version, cost more than AED 100,000.
Cartier Tank
The Cartier Tank is one of the oldest watches produced by the brand. It was first introduced in 1918 and has since gained significant popularity. Famous personalities Michelle Obama, Princess Diana, and Angelina Jolie have been seen wearing this beautiful watch.
This particular watch features a classic design with a sleek vertical rectangular case. The Cartier Tank series also has a magnificent sapphire crystal ball crown.
Experts have referred to the Cartier Tank as the world’s no. 1 dress watch. That’s a steep claim, considering that the watch is a century old. However, over time the popularity of old-fashioned clothes and accessories has increased, making the design of the Tank as relevant as it was during its launch.
For investors looking to get their hands on a wristwatch that steadily increased in value, you consider buying the Cartier Tank watches. Prices of the Tank range from AED 13,000 to AED 25,000.
Why are Cartier watches so expensive?
Cartier watches are made using high-quality materials. Thus their watches are expensive. Although the watches produced by Cartier feature a simple design, the complexity of work and craftsmanship is seen in the internal aspects of their watch.
Cartier watches: Where jewelry design meets watchmaking
The popularity and success of Cartier have come due to their consistent design and refined quality. Over the last decade, the trend for old-fashioned clothing and accessories has gone up, thus opening a greater opportunity for Cartier.
Cartier is one of the oldest watchmakers in the world. They have a rich history and have been associated with many famous personalities since their inception. For collectors who are exploring different options to buy Cartier watches, the UAE luxury watch market is a place to be.
