While Swiss watches undeniably dominate the market, the elegance and sophistication of French timepieces, particularly from Cartier, hold a unique and strong appeal. Cartier, with its inception in 1847, has maintained an indomitable presence in the watch realm, becoming an icon of timeless style and legacy that attracts both watch connoisseurs and royalty. Beyond their aesthetic allure, Cartier watches have also gained popularity for their potential as investments.
Are Cartier Watches a Good Investment?
The short answer is yes. Cartier is a premier luxury watch brand known for its beautiful and timeless creations that blend technical innovation with artistic designs. The enduring style and quality of Cartier watches ensure that they not only stand the test of time but also impressingly pass it. Any Cartier watch purchased today, whether new or pre-owned, is likely to gain value over the years, becoming increasingly desirable.
Why Do Cartier Watches Hold Value?
Cartier’s ability to retain or even appreciate in value stems from several key factors:
- Rich Heritage and Consistent Market Presence: Cartier boasts a heritage spanning over 170 years, consistently maintaining a strong market presence through its iconic designs, technical excellence, and innovation.
- Iconic Designs: Cartier is renowned for instantly recognizable designs like the Tank, Santos, and Ballon Bleu. The value retention of a particular Cartier watch is often tied to the enduring popularity and demand for its design. Choosing a style with timeless appeal is crucial for investment potential.
- Materials & Craftsmanship: The quality and type of materials, alongside the meticulous craftsmanship, significantly contribute to a Cartier watch’s long-term value. Timepieces crafted from precious metals like gold, platinum, or adorned with gemstones, combined with superior craftsmanship, naturally enhance their worth. This is why vintage Cartier watches made of gold often command higher values than newer stainless steel models.
- Rarity: Limited production runs and exclusive Cartier watch editions tend to hold their value exceptionally well. Collectors and investors actively seek out these rare timepieces, anticipating future demand-driven appreciation.
- Condition: The condition of a Cartier watch is paramount for its valuation, especially when considering resale. A well-maintained timepiece with minimal wear, original packaging, and complete documentation (papers) will fetch significantly higher prices in the secondary market.
- Reputation & Lineage: Specific Cartier models gain stronger reputations due to their association with celebrities, powerful leaders, and royalty. This historical and cultural lineage adds to their desirability and, consequently, their market value.
Best Cartier Watches for Investment
When considering a Cartier watch for investment, the specific model plays a crucial role in determining its value retention and appreciation potential. Here are some of the top Cartier models known for their strong investment potential:
- Cartier Tank:
- History: The most iconic Cartier creation, released in 1917 by Louis Cartier. Its design was inspired by the top view of French Renault Tanks used in World War I, with its rectangular case resembling the tank’s silhouette and the “brancards” (side bars) echoing its treads.
- Investment Potential: Classic Tank timepieces in steel or gold with the signature rectangular case and traditional dial design are particularly sought after.
- Picks for Investment:
- Tank Louis Cartier, Ref. WGTA0011: An 18ct rose gold model (33.7mm) with Roman numerals and blued steel hands, offering a classic and versatile aesthetic.
- Tank Americaine, Ref. W2609156: A larger 41.5mm 18ct rose gold piece with a silver flinqué dial, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial timepiece.
- Tank Solo 40.85, Ref. W5200026: A dress watch in rose gold and steel, exuding a vintage flair with a date window, combining classic Tank characteristics with added functionality.
- Santos de Cartier:
- History: Created in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was designed to be a practical wristwatch for pilots, addressing the inconvenience of using pocket watches mid-flight. It is considered the first modern wristwatch for men.
- Investment Potential: Easily distinguishable by its square case, geometric dial, exposed bezel screws, and curved horns, making it highly collectible. Large steel versions with white dials are particularly popular.
- Picks for Investment:
- Cartier Santos-Dumont, Ref. CRWGSA0053: An elegant and comfortable 46.6mm square steel case with a bezel featuring 8 screws, elongated Roman numerals, and a blue cabochon crown.
- Cartier Santos Galbee, Ref. W20012C4: A two-tone (steel and 18ct rose gold) 34.8mm piece with a matt silver dial, offering a striking design.
- Cartier Santos Ronde Louis XL, Ref. WR007001: A 42mm rose gold watch with two inner round tracks, guilloché patterns, and a diamond-set bezel, making a bold statement.
- Ballon Bleu de Cartier:
- History: Debuted in 2007, the Ballon Bleu collection is recognized for its distinctive circular design, featuring a “circle within a circle” in a stainless steel case.
- Investment Potential: Popular as a modern dress watch, favoured by both men and women, and by A-list celebrities for its unique rounded sculptural shape and prominent blue sapphire cabochon crown.
- Picks for Investment:
- Ballon Bleu Ref. W6920079: A sportier 44mm stainless steel version with a black dial and Roman numerals, known for its masculine elegance.
- Ballon Bleu Ref. W69009Z3: A stunning two-tone design in 18ct yellow gold and steel, featuring a silver guilloché opaline dial and blued-steel hands.
- Ballon Bleu, Ref. W69012Z4: A modern classic introduced in 2007, embodying typical Ballon Bleu characteristics suitable for both men and women and all occasions.
- Pasha de Cartier:
- History: The original Pasha was a bespoke timepiece created for the Sultan of Marrakech (Pasha), seeking a water-resistant watch. It became Cartier’s first water-resistant timepiece. The modern iteration, particularly the 1985 version, was designed by Gérald Genta.
- Investment Potential: Combines a strong design with retro elegance, immediately recognizable by its round case, large bevel, and unique screw-down crown cover. Its modern vibe, often featuring Arabic numerals instead of Roman, adds to its popularity.
- Picks for Investment:
- Pasha de Cartier, Ref. 0560: A quality 38mm 18ct yellow gold timepiece with a uni-directional rotatable bezel, ivory dial, luminous blue hands, and various sub-dials.
- Pasha de Cartier, Ref. W31085M7: A timeless 42mm steel model with a skeleton back, silver dial, Arabic 12, and multiple sub-dials, appealing to collectors.
- Pasha de Cartier, Ref. 2730: A luxurious 42mm round steel case with a smooth steel bezel, cabochon spinel crown, white dial with Arabic numerals, and blue sword-shaped hands, suitable for everyday wear.
- Panthère de Cartier:
- History: Launched by Cartier in 1983, the Panthère collection quickly became a best-seller in women’s watches, reminiscent of wild and elegant figures. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1900s, with Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s influential director, being a key figure in establishing the panther as an iconic symbol for the brand.
- Investment Potential: Embodies a sleek design with clean lines and shapes, easily recognizable by its asymmetrical square shape and fluid bracelet. Available in various materials (gold, steel, two-tone) and sometimes adorned with diamonds, catering to different tastes and preferences. Due to a period when production ceased, these watches are now highly sought after in the second-hand market.
- Picks for Investment:
- Panthère de Cartier, Ref. WGPN0040: A beautiful 23mm 18ct rose gold timepiece with a silver dial, Roman numerals, and blued steel hands, representing timeless beauty for women.
- Panthère de Cartier, Ref. WJPN0048: A classic 22mm 18ct yellow gold piece with diamond accents, a silver dial, and Roman numerals, elevating its aesthetic appeal.
- Panthère de Cartier, Ref. WJPN0035: A small 22mm rose gold case with a bezel set with 37 brilliant-cut diamonds and a unique dial featuring graduated shades of brown and plum, showcasing Cartier’s understated luxury.
Do Vintage Cartier Watches Hold Value?
Yes, absolutely. Vintage Cartier watches have a strong reputation for holding and often appreciating in value in the secondary market. Interestingly, many of the vintage models that appreciate significantly are those originally designed for women. Their high-quality materials (especially gold) and instantly recognizable designs make them highly popular among collectors.
Factors influencing the value of a vintage Cartier include:
- Condition: Excellent condition with minimal wear is crucial.
- Age: Older, well-preserved pieces can be highly sought after.
- Rarity: Limited production or unique variations increase value.
- Historical Significance: Connections to notable events or individuals enhance desirability.
- Market Desirability: Current trends and collector demand play a role.
Popular Vintage Cartier Timepieces for Investment:
- Cartier Tank Americaine, Ref. 2489
- Cartier Pasha ‘C’, Ref. 2324
- Cartier Tank Lady Mini, Ref. 828001
End Note
While the monetary value of Cartier watches is evident, it’s important to remember that a watch should also be cherished for its personal value and how it expresses one’s style. Whether for investment or personal enjoyment, a Cartier watch from the curated list promises to be a treasured possession, offering both aesthetic pleasure and potential financial return when considering future resale.