12 Of The Best Cartier Watches To Buy Right Now

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Established in 1847, Cartier has been at the forefront of Haute Horology. You may already know about its extensive history, including building the first wrist worn timepiece in 1904 for pilot Albert Santos Dumont after a friendship with Louis-Francois Cartier turned professional.

If the Royal Family is more your thing, Cartier was the official purveyor of fine timepieces for them in 1904 and have since been on the wrists of Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and Camilla, cementing a few pieces like the Française as one of the best Cartier watches to buy.

It’s fair to say that they have a wealth of great prestige, sleekness and refinery behind the brand allowing it to be perfect for any situation, including those extra sublime special occasion watches. After all, there’s a reason why Forbes estimated their wealth at around £8 billion.

Do you happen to be doing loans? From timeless design to an innovative future, Cartier is pushing the envelope of Haute Horologie in all its watchmaking glory, giving us plenty of flexing opportunities.

Whether looking ravishing in a Ronde or striking in a Santos, it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts, or movement and crystals of the best Cartier watches to buy right now. Set your horological peepers to stunned.

1. Cartier Privé Tank Normale

The Privé collection is reserved solely for re-imagination.

Tank Normale - Source - Reddit

The classics like the Tank Chinoise merit their status as one of the best Cartier watches. But this one entered its storied walls last year to the adoration of the timekeeping world.

During Watches and Wonders 2023, the Privé Tank Normale entered with a few tweaks to an already classic and super slinky design which allows it to be boasted as one of the best Cartier watches already.

Based on the original from 1917, the general allure they have gone for is vintage. After all, why change one of the best Cartier watches designs that’s been so successful! It’s like teaching an old dog new tricks.

They just have it down no matter what the command. Take for example the face of this beauty. The timeless minute track circling the centre hands and the Roman Numerals are still maintained.

However, they are slightly adjusted in being a smidgen wider, allowing the piece to have more of a legible and masculine edge. Kinda like me after a night out on the town.

This does make perfect sense in the cold light of day as it allows the slender case to not be adjusted. Rolex followed this style when they introduced their Maxi dials, keeping it the same size but increasing its presence on the Rolex Submariner.

If you happen to have a keen eye which we know are you by reading our comprehensive Chronicles, you may notice the small “1917” reference beside the Roman Numeral VII. I wonder what they could relate to…

The classic brancard (French for stretcher) design is maintained with a nice brushed aesthetic. Props to the brand as they have brought back the beautiful bevelled glass element in a modern sapphire crystal build.

The bracelet is given an office block style brick design which harks to the roaring 1920s when Marlene Dietrich was doing her thing. And of course we want you to flex like it's…2024.

We do like the effervescent vintage link which is just one of the many reasons why this is one of the best Cartier watches right now.

Since the brand has committed to the vintage feel with the crystal and Roman numerals, the bracelet is another nice adaptation. While it’s optional and you could go with an alligator strap, our heart for now lies with the classic example.

WIth the option of yellow gold or platinum, the timepieces are limited edition with 600 pieces produced. Style wise, we recommend wearing this with your smartest suit that will be the envy of your colleagues.

After all, this is classic Cartier and it should be treated with the utmost respect! It can be dressed down if you choose to wear a white linen shirt with black chinos for those summer days.

Its rarity, the options of yellow gold or platinum coupled with its vintage ode makes this timepiece potential investment for those looking for one of the best Cartier watches.

Unavailable at retail, you can buy a Cartier on the secondary market as of November 2024 for

Platinum bracelet on platinum: N/A
Yellow gold and bracelet: Around £69,140
Platinum on black alligator strap: Around £26,000
Yellow gold on brown alligator strap: Around £24,400

2. Cartier Santos Dumont Skeleton - Yellow Gold

Cartier and skeletonisation aren’t regular occurrences in the horological world. But like Ed Sheeran performing with Eminem on stage, get the collab right and you are onto an all time winner.

Simply put, the Santos is an industry leader of the horological world. Created in 1904, the collection houses the first ever model on the wrist, designed for pilot Alberto Santos Dumont who wanted an easily accessible timepiece, as opposed to one that sat in his pocket.

Its classic minimalist design and visible screws have become an icon of its design up to the modern day. Suffice to say, it’s one of the best Cartier watches out there.

Santos Dumont - Source - Reddit

Skeletonisation did not occur until 2009 on the Santos 100, yet they have since come to the conclusion that everyone loves a good open worked dial! And if you are looking to buy one of these best Cartier watches, this one ain't slim pickings. At just 31mm, the timepiece follows the usual small and dainty design that the brand excels at.

It features eight visible screws which adds the Royal Oak style design long before they were even dreaming up the bezel aspect, this timepiece comes into its own due to Cartier’s very own blue cabochon on the crown with blued Dauphine steel hands.

We must remember, the design is over 110 years old, dating back to 1904. Father time has been extremely kind, we might add in terms of their aesthetics. The fact it’s still maintained the legendary squared design and slender usability means it's a model which doesn't need any vast alterations. Unlike my crow’s feet.

Cartier does love a challenge however and has replaced the face with the intricate micro rotor. The yellow gold edition features a lacquer treatment in a thin strip along the inside of the yellow gold movement and case. By adding this feature to not only the build and the bezel but the movement too, they are flexing their design muscles to the max.

After all, who needs a salmon dial or blue dial to boast horological opulence when we have one of the best Cartier watches right now? The latest 9629 movement MC is very stylish. A movement that’s stylish? What do you mean? It’s the architecture that’s as plush as Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago interior.

At just 4.4mm, the movement on this best Cartier watch features a micro rotor that allows the piece to be as thin as a rake. Take a look at the balance wheel which incorporates a figure of a plane travelling around a globe.

Physically being able to move as you move your wrist, it has the threat of being gimmicky, but instead comes across as a rather charming aspect.

The balance in the movement seemingly hangs in mid air due to the elegance of the framework. The micro rotor in the movement took two years to develop and boasts 212 small components. Offering 44 hours of power reserve, this is weekend-proof…well almost.

The brand has gone for elegance and aesthetic beauty. We recommend matching their effort with a navy suit to match the lacquer or a simple black tee with jeans if you want to take the formal edge off.

As the yellow gold version is limited to 150 pieces, it modernises the Santos Dumont with the beautiful yellow gold precious metal and the reliable movement as its heartbeat. We recommend keeping your eyes and ears peeled for this beauty as an investment piece.

You can buy a Cartier Santos Dumont Skeleton at retail for around £34,500 as of November 2024.

3. Cartier Tank Cintrée 100th Anniversary

Okay, The Cartier Tank may appear more than once in this article! But it is as enduring as the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Rock solid, allowing it to be deemed as one of the best Cartier watches to buy.

Cintree - Source - Rolex Forums

The reason why? The Tank is iconic ever since its release in 1918 after Cartier’s experience in WW1 seeing Renault F-17 tanks designed with the classic brancard edging.

Released to celebrate 100 years of this majestic timepiece back in 2018, it is dolled up in a beautiful yellow gold casing. Although, it doesn’t follow the standard design codes of dress watches with circular casing.

The Cintrée was released in the 1920’s and revolutionised the dress models through its curved rectangular design. The 100th anniversary edition doesn't deviate too far away from the original, instead choosing to preserve its heritage in a neo-vintage style rather than going wacky with open faces.

At 46.3mm x 23mm, the model is very slender and tapers to the user's wrist due to its curved design. The dial colour is a beautiful opaline sheen, allowing the stretched Roman numerals and railway track to stand out in their black hue. The classic blued hands make an appearance with circular tipped heads.

This does look a little similar to the equally accurate remake in 2005, the 2718, but we can forgive the brand as it boasts the design of the original unicorn!

Due to the thinness of the piece at just 6.4mm, the movement is exceptionally slender and offers a 36 hour power reserve. Enough time to hop on a flight to Paris, Monaco or Madrid to seal that new business detail.

This isn’t as much a reimagination as it is a direct remake of the past. Sometimes if you are considering purchasing one of the best Cartier watches out there like this, a model is so exceptional, it only requires a little fine tuning to ensure it’s just as relevant today.

Take the AP End of Days for starters. Following on from the End of Day’s piece in 1993 in collaboration with the (abysmal) film “End of Days”, the timepiece keeps design codes like neon yellow indices and black casing, as per star Arnold Schwarzenegger’s specs.

Well, guys. It most certainly is one of the best Cartier watches right now. We think that you can’t veer too far off the horological catwalk if you pair this with a camel overcoat and black suit. For less formal events, why not flyback to the past and wear a pinstripe shirt with straight leg trousers.

Capped at 150 pieces and representing the pinnacle of vintage style, we think this piece has every chance of being a solid investment.

Now discontinued, you can buy a Cartier Tank Cintrée on the secondary market for upwards of £42,000 as of November 2024.

4. Cartier Tank Française - Medium

Bursting onto the timekeeping stage in 1996, The Française represented a timepiece that can be worn by any manner of person. Unlike Robin Thicke there are no Blurred Lines here when it comes to the divisiveness of male or female wearers.

Adorned by Meghan Markle to rock’n’roll star Mick Jagger, The Tank Française was re-released at the start of 2023 to usher in ambassadors Rami Malek, Catherin Deneuve and Guy Ritchie. They have really gone lock stock as far as their celeb line up is concerned.

Francaise - Source - Cartier

To reintroduce a collection and not butcher it is a difficult task, especially when everyone is already so chirpy about the original. It could be like trying to redo Formula 1 as a BMX bike!

While maintaining the signature squared case while housing the beautiful signature Roman numerals and minute railway track, there are a few updates which you may have glanced over. The case itself seems a little tougher, the lines a little more prominent as opposed to the gentle curvaceous lines of its predecessors.

Not a problem, it could still easily be boasted as one of the best Cartier watches.

The bracelet is another feature which has jumped up and altered the design of the timepiece. It appears sturdier, with its integrated feature allowing the entire timepiece to blossom in a seamless design. Diving timepiece, it ain’t. More durable dress model? Maybe.

The crown is no longer an isolated cabochon feature compared to the other collections, instead sinking into the side of the model to again promote the seamless feel.

Given a satin-brushed finish across the board, the timepiece certainly has an inkling of ruggedness but absolute in its strive for the ultimate dress timepiece and possibly one of the best Cartier watches right now.

Even down to the seemingly classic Roman numerals and minute track, these timepieces include negative relief to promote the visibility of everything on its face. As we said, a swift look wouldn’t garner any changes but they love to be mysterious. The yellow gold casing is undeniably an eye catcher. We told you that yellow gold is on trend right now, haven’t we?

It undergoes brushing which allows the negative relief indices and minute track to boast presence and style than London Fashion Week. The cream white face has a slight golden hue, allowing the grey numerals and blued hands to be extremely legible, perfect for the busy metropolitan man about town, chained to his Filofax. Can we call that a vintage thing?

One of the best Cartier watches for that all over gold allure, we recommend adorning this with a tweed jacket for those day’s out in the countryside or wearing a black suit like Rami Malek in his official photo shoot for the brand.

Made from yellow gold and adorned by the stars, we believe that this has the potential to offer the business minded man a potentially excellent investment.

You can buy a Cartier Tank Française at retail for £24,900 as of November 2024.

5. Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Yellow Gold Skeletonised

The Cartier Chinoise is one of the more rebellious editions of their collection. Think of the Cartier Crash on steroids.

Chinoise - Source - Cartier

Originally released in 1922, the collection was originally a squared case design and featured classic Tank brancards in an alternative construction. Built with parallel bars across the top and bottom of the piece as an ode to Chinese temple designs, the model is one entirely to its own. We love it all the same!

Now available in a more rectangular case, the timepiece still features the classically formed bars that run across the top and the bottom of the piece. Talk about setting the bar high.

These bars in particular don’t get talked about enough, in our opinion. It’s usually the dial that gets the modernisation such as skeletonisation or various finishes. Nevertheless, they do know how to pimp a model, especially a piece which is long regarded as one of the best Cartier watches.

They include these bars as an ode to culture as well as style. They aren't small either, in fact they are rather bulky and present on the timepiece. As part of the Privé collection, we can safely assume that this novelty follows design codes of the past.

The face itself is cut open, revealing a Chinese inspired window effect that links in with the bar brachard design. They don’t fear the risk of ostentation or the timepiece being labelled as gimmicky, unlike a certain Kermit Oris. In this way, they have opted to create a timepiece that has a strong connotation of Chinese and East Asian culture.

The face is filled with black and red lacquer which stands out supremely against the yellow gold design. Sized at 39.5mm x 29.2mm, it is still slender and perfect for the modern gentleman looking for one of the best Cartier watches right now.

Powered by the 9627 MC movement, the model runs at 21,600VpH and provides a modest 38 hour power reserve for the movement. Heck, this is no Hublot Big Bang MP-11 with a 14 day power reserve infused movement but then again, what is!

Does it look good? Positively radiant. We recommend matching the gold build and black leather strap with a black suit for those important events or some flared trousers and grandad collar shirt for that retro-inspired feel. As part of the Privé collection, it is capped at 100 pieces and given a beautiful avant-garde design.

What does our horological survey say? We predict big things for this timepiece.

You can buy a Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Yellow Gold Skeletonised at retail for upwards of £51,900 as of November 2024.

6. Ronde De Cartier

Why be a square when you can buy a Cartier Ronde? If you are in the market for a more accessible Cartier, it may be worth casting your eyes over this icon and a half.

Ronde - Source - Cartier

The Ronde de Cartier is one of the best Cartier watches due to its incredible rarity, veering away from its usually square or rectangular portfolio, in favour of rare circular pieces. Styled using the quintessential brand face, the Roman numerals and minute track are circular in order to fit in with the matching case.

Released in the 2000s, the Ronde took inspiration from the circular pocket watches of a bygone era. By adding their own numerals and minute track, the timepiece is utterly contemporary and ready for the modern world which is a big tick for us as to why you should consider this as one of the best Cartier watches.

From the Tank to the Ballon de Cartier, the dial is featured on every collection. They have even included their signature “IIII” numeral as opposed to the standard “IV”. At 40mm, the model is one of the bulkier editions and its stainless steel construction promotes the element of durability and prominence on the wrist.

Polished and brushed, the cabochon shaped crown is another representation that although this looks a little different to the standard, it’s still a beautiful piece. The face is given a tinge of silver and sandblasted, ensuring the black numerals and blued hands stand out.

As a silky piece, you can get it with a metal H link strap or lose the sporty edge and wear it with a black leather strap. Powered by the 1847 MC movement, the timepiece can run for up to 42 hours. Perfect, as you won’t need to take this beauty off for more than a day without withdrawal symptoms!

It’s a minimalist piece but one of the best Cartier watches thanks to its effortless look and classic visual architecture. This should be worn with a black turtleneck or a powder blue shirt. Make sure to not overcomplicate it.

Its classy circular casing and distinguishable numerals and minute track confirms this piece as a beautiful work of art, and possibly another good investment opportunity.

You can buy a Cartier de Ronde at retail for £4,450 as of November 2024.

7. Ballon de Cartier Carbon WSBB0015

Cartier and carbon? Something afoot here…

Ballon - Source - Cartier

Following on from the success of the Santos 100 Carbon model with complimenting gold elements, they have decided to go all black with the Ballon Carbon. No this is not a hot drop with the New Zealand Rugby team.., far from it.

The Ballon is another unconventional circular timepiece from the Swiss luxury powerhouse. What is so unique about it? Crafted specifically out of ADLC, or amorphous diamond-like carbon to the non-science nerds, the model comes in at a pretty big 42mm. The coating is extremely durable, and isn’t particularly obtrusive on the material it’s placed upon.

The sapphire crystal is domed and fitted with anti-reflection to ensure you get the best view every time. And of course the classic cabochon crown is a hallmark of this legendary brand. In this instance, the crown is protected within a crown guard which is typical of the collection.

Nonetheless, it’s still an eye-catching feature and adds another tick as to why it’s one of the best Cartier watches.

The dial features a Guilloche finish that allows the face to have a certain je ne sais quoi, especially since it’s all black and silver aside from a burning red seconds hand. It adds a level of sportiness which is necessary for a 42mm timepiece with such a bulky crystal. The classic Roman numerals and minute track are circular, spanning around the piece.

Available on a black textured strap, the timepiece is one to look out for, especially since there is a tidy date aperture at 3 o’clock. The brand’s DNA is still inherent in this piece. Just because it doesn't have a rectangular design, the model is still beating to their horological drum.

Pair this with a green cashmere jumper in keeping with the bulked up timepiece. We would refrain from keeping it under shirt cuffs as its domed crystal is likely to catch. As one of the more unusual pieces, it still retains key components such as Roman numerals and the cabochon crown. We think this is a piece which has the potential to do well upon resale.

You can buy a Cartier de Ballon Carbon at retail for £6,700 as of November 2024.

8. Cartier Pasha Chronograph

They are associated with royalty, but how about watchmaking royalty?

Pasha - Source - Cartier

The Pasha was originally released in 1943 before being reintroduced in 1985 under the careful alterations by none other than Gerald Genta. The Pasha has since grown as a timepiece and now features various complications to bolster its sporty allure.

At 41mm, the timepiece is crafted out of steel and features “Vendome” connectors for the bracelet or strap. This distinctive build is only found on the Pasha, cementing it as an unorthodox yet really special timepiece which might just be one of the best Cartier watches to buy right now.

The cabochon is present not only on the crown, but also on the chronograph pushers between 1 and 2 o’clock, as well as between 4 and 5 o’clock. These crowns mean the model is capable of reaching 100 metres water resistance, a feat which is highly uncommon as they prioritise elegant style and luxury refinery over resistance. How refreshing!

The white guilloche face promotes the sub dials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, all of which feature small blue hands. Pasha’s signature triangle at 12 o’clock is a useful feature for quickly measuring time elapsed.

The chronograph counters read 30 minutes, 12 hours and a running seconds counter. Don’t miss the little date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock. Powered by the 1904-CH MC movement, the movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback.

Running at 4Hz and offering a fairly reasonable 47 hour power reserve, the timepiece is more than competent in the technical department.

As far as sports watches go, they have dressed it up with a circular face and a beautifully finished guilloche dial. Connected with a black leather strap or steel bracelet, the model can be acknowledged as suitable wrist wear when in the office or as an everydayer. Meanwhile, the Quickswitch allows for both the strap and the bracelet to be alternated seamlessly.

Let your wrist do the talking if you wear this with a white suit shirt or take it down a notch with a suave suede jacket for less formal events. Its sporty edge is unusual for the brand but its circular face and classy cabochon heads on the pushers and crown clarifies that this is a peach of a model which certainly has the potential to be a solid investment piece.

You can buy a Cartier Pasha Chronograph at retail for £9,900 as of November 2024.

9. Drive de Cartier WSNM0004

You’ve been looking for a timepiece that epitomises you as a man who drives his own path? We have the perfect piece for you, ready to take on all horological challenges.

Drive - Source - Cartier

The Cartier Drive was originally released in 2016 during SIHH and brought a great amount of acclaim upon its release. They sought to replicate this again with the WSNM0004.

As we’ve already mentioned, the brand’s novelties are renowned for their ingenious case designs, ranging from squares to circles to well, pretty much anything in between! The tonneau shape case here has its edges very slightly cut into a bold circular construction.

At 38mm, the timepiece is perfect for any modern consumer’s wrist. The sapphire crystal is unusual because, just like the build, it follows every indent and strange bend that the case takes.

A bit like being on that roller coaster at Alton Towers. Mind you, we don’t want to get off this ride. We can only begin to imagine the painstaking process behind fitting it on…

The combination of brushing and polishing ensures the model gleams a very pretty shine, enchanting the unorthodoxy of the model. The silver flinqué face allows the black Roman numerals, minute track and the blued hands to be very clearly distinguished especially since it undergoes a guilloche style pattern in the centre of it.

It doesn’t have a catchy nickname, but it does look sublime!

The cabochon crown is there, offering a little sense to this unusual timepiece. The dial features a slew of innovative complications like a calendar aperture at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter situated at 6 o’clock.

Powered by the 1904-PS MC movement, the timepiece is prepped and ready with a 47 hour power reserve with the capability to run all the complications via the skilled movement and provide an accurate time reading.

Combined with a black alligator strap, the model is a beauty to behold for casual or professional wear, making it on to our list of the best Cartier watches.

We recommend looking your sharpest with a navy suit to keep with the moody colour scheme, or going to the lighter side of life with a pink linen shirt to keep things light while boosting the silver dial.

Its unusual design, long lasting movement and fascinating face means we are pretty confident about the investment potential behind the Cartier de Drive WSNM004.

Now discontinued, you can buy a Cartier de Drive WSNM004 on the secondary market for upwards of £31,00 as of November 2024.

10. Cartier Tank Solo W5200026

The Cartier Tank is the original beast.

Solo - Source - Reddit

Following the true Cartier shape, they follow the same sizing and design codes of its predecessors, especially in the Solo line. The Solo line was released in 2004 as a perfect entry- level piece for the iconic Louis Tank.

Measuring 31mm x 40.85mm, the watches are the ideal size for the modern gent wanting to flex his horological dress sense. Of course, this is one of the best luxury brands that holds value

Consisting of rose gold, they feature a steel back, ensuring first rate durability. Featuring a synthetic cabochon spinel crown, the model is already a stonewall Cartier piece and maybe a contender as one of the best Cartier watches.

The face features an opaline hue which allows the chemically blued hands to beam out, especially with the black Roman numerals and minute track.

The date aperture based at 6 o’clock offers a little alternative to the usual design which is kept pretty minimal with the time keeping functions alone. The alligator strap looks sublime against the gold case, especially since it has such a dark hue, allowing the light of the gold to shine brilliantly.

The watches are exceptionally slender at 7.80mm, thanks to the miniscule movement and casing meaning you can strap this on under your shirt cuffs with no catching or dragging. We therefore recommend you wear this in the office with a suit shirt in order to catch your bosses eye.

Not stylish enough a setting? Get it on for drinks in Dubai during your work retreat.

Its precious metal build and sublime shape means they make it on to our best Cartier watches list. Plus, these watches are certainly one to keep an eye on as a possible investment piece.

You can no longer buy a Cartier Tank Solo W5200026 at retail as it’s been discontinued. You can buy it on the secondary market for upwards of £4,200 as of November 2024.

11. Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique

The Tank is well endowed in its variety of lines and reinterpretations. Truth be told we are yet to come across a version that we do not like.

Asymetrique - Source - Cartier

The Asymétrique is another edition that fails to deliver the timekeeping goods. Originally released in 1936, the line is a testament to the Tank design. Crafted out of rose gold, the watches are imbued with a precious metal that gives off a tantalising shine to us horologists.

In the highly unique rectangular shaping, the dial is black and undergoes a sunburst finish and features the bare essentials, such as Arabic numerals…no Roman numerals going on here and similarly subtle rose gold hands. The change from Roman numerals to Arabic and baton indices is refreshing and offers an altogether new slant on the Tank.

Speaking of slant, have you noticed anything strange about the face? All the numbers and even the text “Cartier” is given a slight tilt! Originally made to tell the time in a more comfortable and natural manner, it also adds a hint of uniqueness to the piece allowing it to be one of the best Cartier watches.

Measuring 47.15mm x 26.2mm and with a thickness of just 6.38mm, the watches are exceptionally slight and a perfect addition to any formal wardrobe. Want something else unique? The watches add an extra lug onto each side of the piece which adds another dimension to the model.

The classic cabochon crown is present on the side in a blue hue which looks sublime against the sheer classicism of the precious metal and black face. It’s refreshing face design in its black hue should be the centre of attention. As such, fight the darkness with a light sky blue suit shirt or a white tee for those casual days when you want to look effortless.

Its iconic slant, limited edition release and precious metal construction means these watches are ones to keep your eyes on if you are looking to invest in a beautiful piece of watchmaking.

You can buy a Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique at retail for around £66,000 as of November 2024.

12. Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver

So, are there any watches that are out and out sports watches?

Calibre Diver - Source - Reddit

The diver rendition of the Calibre de Cartier line is something that's absolutely necessary for any brand to prove their mettle in all industries and dress codes.

Significantly thicker than the other watches at 11mm, this certainly has balls of steel, and undergoes a beautiful brushed finish, pertaining to the sporty aesthetic. The bevels are polished, giving a gleam brighter than Simon Cowell’s teeth to oppose the overall ruggedness.

Featuring a crown guard which marries up well with the cabochon crown in its centre, the cabochon’s neon blue aesthetic is a bit of a shock to the grey timepiece, but it’s an essential part of their heritage so it’s necessary.

At 42mm, the model is a beast which we can easily appreciate. Yet, the bezel overhangs from the case, allowing for grip to be easily accessed. While it’s unconventional, its function enhances its form…a bit like the IWC Ingenieur.

Given an impressive 300 metre water resistance, it is highly durable and ISO 6425 certified as a dive watch. This means that the timepiece undergoes stringent tests such as depth pressure, temperature and a salt water test to read its capability of reaching 300 metres of water resistance.

If there’s no ISO 6425 certification, it can’t reach the 300 metres depth and be classified as a “dive watch”. Nothing can touch this movement….

The caseback is solid and bolted in with eight screws and the crown screws are down, answering as to why it’s so good in the water. It’s no Tudor Pelagos 39mm, but it’s a solid effort from a dress timepiece brand.

The case is also bolstered with a ADLC coating which enhances the durability of the piece. We all remember our article on Panerai California, right? Well, this model features the same dial style as the top half, composed of Roman numerals while the lower half displays baton indices.

The sapphire crystal is slightly domed, boasting the watches fabulous dial face. At 12 o’clock, the “XII” Roman numeral is enlarged, clearly standing out from its face. As any nervous Timelord knows, crime is rife in the horological world so their secret placement of its name at “X” allows you to know that it’s genuine.

Featuring Super-Luminova on the triangle, bezel, hands, sub dial edge and on the small dot’s behind the hour markers, the dial face is exceptionally legible. The small seconds sub dial is a great feature for quickly determining the time. Powered by the 1904 MC, the movement runs at 4Hz or 28,800VpH and runs for 48 hours.

It’s a great timepiece that is made for the outdoorsy type or adventure-seekers, especially with the supple rubber strap. We recommend you wear this while dive-bombing into the sea in Zante or shaking hands with your buddies when watching the big game from the stands.

Its unique dial face, powerful movement and dive certified claim is something that’s immensely unique for their watches. As such, we believe it may be a solid investment piece and maybe one of the best Cartier watches right now.

You can no longer buy a Cartier de Calibre Diver as it has been discontinued. You can buy it on the secondary market for upwards of £2,600 as of November 2024.

Rest Of The Best Cartier Watches To Buy In 2024

Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind

For Cartier, the Santos-Dumont holds the legacy as the first ever pilots watch and perhaps the best Cartier watch that’s ever been produced. Quite an accolade but this isn’t your ordinary dress watch.

Designed by Louis Cartier for close friend and pilot, Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviator turned to the Cartier in order legend to create a classic piece that he could access quickly on his wrist in 1904.

Source - Cartier

New from Watches and Wonders 2024 in Geneva, Cartier has given us a throwback to the brilliance of the Santos-Dumont line, but with a little extra horological kick for good measure.

Given a total case size of 43.5mm, the platinum watches are instantly a hit for those looking to buy a Cartier for unbridled luxury, combined with sufficient wrist worth presence to make even A Space Odyssey seem insignificant.

With a thickness of around 7.3mm, these timepieces utilise both polished and brushed finishes in order to give the watches a signature dress aesthetic. The polished squared bezel is fitted with 8 screws and the surrounding case is vertically brushed.

To the right of the case is a gorgeous ruby-red cabochon crown…a signature of the brand.

This isn’t a random colour either, as it works perfectly with the dial's crimson-red shade. This colour is not made using the blood of Cartier’s enemies like some horror film or gory James Bond movie… But rather like Daniel Craig, they’re much more sophisticated and with an luxury edginess to it.

However, they have decided to shake and stir things up in 2024 with this stunning piece, opting to use a carnelian stone with a fabulous Christmas-cracker red colour. Santa will be envious. It’s a luxury material that is only used by the brands with enough quality craftsmanship behind them.

Do we dare say this is the best Cartier watch for materials? A strong contender! Alongside the rich shades of the dial, they use decidedly contrasting Roman numeral hour markers to clearly stand out. We don't use the word “decidedly” lightly either.

If you have your spectacles on for a second, you’ll have noticed that while the polished XII and VI numerals come across as normal, the rest are backwards. What this means is that you will have to read the dial counter-clockwise. This is as crazy as the Franck Muller Crazy Hours (well almost) but nonetheless a genuine showstopper in their collection.

Sure, it may seem like excess hassle, but Cartier have gone to great lengths to ensure the new 230 MC Cartier calibre accommodates this new dial configuration. At just 2.15mm, the 38 hour power reserve movement operates in reverse meaning it follows the “backwards” Roman numerals.

Capped at 200 pieces, you can buy a Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind at retail for around £32,380 as of November 2024.

Cartier Privé Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph/Time Only

A blast from the past during Watches and Wonders 2024, the iconic Tortue is a point of great interest for keen connoisseurs who know their timekeeping beans. But to newcomers, it may not ring a bell.

After all, this is the luxury brand that has produced some of the most popularised collections of all time, including the legendary Tank (inspired by the Renault F-17 machines) and the instantly recognisable Crash, worn by Tyler the Creator and Kanye West.

Have we got you hooked? If so, it’s time for a little background history…

Monopoussoir Chronograph

Originally known as the Cartier Privée Paris Collection (CPCP), this design was released by Louis Cartier back in 1912, which developed into their first ever chronograph design back in the 1920s. The designs were noted for being tonneau in shape and fitted with a one-button chronograph pusher.

Source - Cartier

Joining the CPCP line in 1998, the watches have been fairly quiet in their releases and updates. Watches and Wonders 2024 sought to put an end to that, pushing the line back to its previous legacy as arguably one of the best Cartier watches.

Available in platinum or yellow gold, the pieces are given an extraordinary 34.8mm case diameter which is very small for modern novelties. This correlates with the slender 10.2mm thickness, allowing these beauties to slip under shirt cuffs. That’s if you can fit it on!

The tonneau case shape is thoroughly polished and limited to around 30 metres of water resistance while the dial is refreshingly classical and brimming with elegance of a bygone age. There’s no gimmicks or crazy finishes here, just a simplistic matte opaline background. Sometimes that’s all it needs to be a contender for the best Cartier watch.

There are two snailed sub-counters residing at 3 and 9 o’clock which relate to the chronograph functionality. Across both models, they use blued steel hands for contrast with the white backgrounds. Time is read via a ring of Roman numerals and a minute track on the periphery.

Powered by the 1928MC calibre, the Monopoussoir Chronograph has a 44 hour power reserve and skips away at 28,800VpH. With a 4.3mm thickness, would we be remiss in suggesting this could be their thinnest chronograph calibre to date?

With a limited edition run of 200 pieces, they are available from October 2024.

Time Only

Just like the chronograph models, the 2024 Time Only editions are available in platinum and yellow gold.

Measuring 41.4mm x 7.2mm thick, we like the sleek and slender lines which would suit the gentleman looking for one of the best Cartier watches to buy this year…and one that isn’t a giant statement piece.

Source - Cartier

Both platinum and yellow gold are top options, depending on what style and aesthetic you are going for. Platinum is more refined for a red-carpet runway and not as ostentatious. On the other hand, yellow gold is the most outwardly luxurious. All of them are polished and finished spectacularly.

The tonneau case design is inspired by the shell of a tortoise. That’s right, who knew animals could be so influential on horology (cough cough Chinese New Year Dragon IWC). Hold your horses, though Timelords.

Did you know you could land yourself a platinum edition which features a spectacular diamond bezel which equates to around 2 carats? John Mayer, are you interested at all?

This remarkable yellow gold piece landed at Watches and Wonders 2024, evoking a champagne style dial with equally golden hands and pitch black Roman hour markers.

The platinum model goes for the less-is-more approach and opts for rhodium plated silver Roman numerals.

La dolce vita of timepieces, the time only version is powered by the 430 MC movement which simply has to power general timekeeping. Available from September 2024 and limited to 200 pieces with the diamond edition capped at 50, we don’t see these hanging around too long.

You can buy a Cartier Tortue at retail as of November 2024 for:

CRWHTO0008 (Platinum Monopoussior) - Around £49,750
CRWHTO0007 (Yellow Gold Monopoussoir) - Around £40,000
WGTO006 (Yellow Gold Tortue) - Around £23,800
WJTO0010 (Platinum/Diamond Tortue) - Around £45,320
WGTO0008 (Platinum Tortue) - Around £26,550

Cartier De Santos Dual Time

The Cartier De Santos offered wearers a chance to move away from the classical circular designs that popularised pocket watches in the early 20th Century.

Given a squared case, the line has remained very consistent over the years and earned a reputation as one of the best Cartier watches to date.

Source - Cartier

For Watches and Wonders 2024, the models continue in the same vein, albeit with a few slight alterations that would make the most staunch horological traditionalist weak at the knees. Sized at 40.2mm, the watches are very slim at only 10.1mm thick. This is surprising given the 100 metres of water resistance they can deftly resist.

Built into a squared case, the watch utilises a similarly shaped bezel that's thoroughly polished and locked in with a total of eight screws. The edges of and the bracelet are brushed which adds for us a far more sportier dynamic to the pieces.

The dial is given a slate grey shade in keeping with the steely case whilst the sunray finish allows the small date aperture at 3 o’clock to be promoted. This is perfectly aligned with the ridged crown that's fitted with a fabulous cabochon sapphire.

This works alongside the dual time complication that resides at 6 o’clock. Dual time is correct and of perfect standard! It is made up of a 24 hour scale with a day/night indicator at the top of the snailed sub-dial. There are Roman numeral hour markers (not reversed this time!) with grey sword shaped hands that are coated with lume.

Within the timepieces is a phenomenal automatic movement that runs at a hardy 4Hz and ensures a 40 hour power reserve. Its calibre may not be too high-powered like the El Primero, but that doesn't restrict it from being one of the best Cartier watches we have seen of recent times.

- You can buy a Cartier De Santos at retail for around £7,680 as of November 2024.

Tank Must WSTA0054

Case Thickness	6.6mm
Case Diameter	33.7mm
Dial colour	Red
Complications	General timekeeping
Material	Steel

If you’ve taken the time to run through our extensive article, you’ll know about the illustrious Cartier Tank, its Western Front influence, tank brancard inspiration, and timeless themes.

Source - Cartier

However, our next best Cartier will make many go green with envy. The Must line represented a refresher for the timeless Tank line in 1977, when everyone said farewell to the King, Elvis Presley and Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her silver Jubilee.

Attempting to appease a younger audience, don’t be fooled into thinking this is some off the wall release like the Aquanaut from Patek Philippe, with its grenade embossed dial and affordable pricing (affordable in big quotes!)

For this Tank Must, its dimensions are kept tight and modern, totalling a 33.7mm x 6.6mm steel case. Yes, this exceptionally slender number is best for formal occasions especially if you need to flash some luxury wrist wear without being ostentatious.

On the side of the case is a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel in a deep blue shade. Get ready for a huge colour contrast! Onto the dial which comes in a rich claret lacquered dial. Claret like a good glass of vintage Margaux, the rich shade allows the polished steel sword shaped hands to be clearly defined.

As expected, there are no hour markers so you’d best brush up on your timekeeping positions.

Keeping this timepiece in check is a sensational quartz calibre that runs the hour and minutes. With only 30 metres of water resistance, we wouldn’t even bother wearing this in the shower. However, when you need a boardroom piece to dazzle your competitors or something to show off at your best man’s wedding, this is your go-to piece.

You can buy a Cartier Must WSTA0054 at retail for £3,500 as of November 2024.

Tank Américaine WSTA0083

Case Thickness	8.6mm
Case Diameter	44.4mm
Dial colour	Silver
Complications	General timekeeping
Material	Steel

Miley Cyrus may have waxed lyrical about having a Party In The USA but our next contender has a certain red, white and blue vibe.

Launched in 1987, the Cartier Tank Américaine was a modernised variation of the classic Tank from 1917. Taking it to a new, curved dimension, the watches represented a longer and, what could be argued, an elegant alternative.

Source - Cartier

Measuring 44.4mm x 8.6mm in steel, the case diameter is quite prominent, but makes up for it by having a slender 8.6mm thickness. This is extremely slender when compared to other dress watches like The Rolex 1908 Platinum with its 9.5mm thickness.

Polished across the bezel, the watches feature brushed case tops and a ridged crown with a blue faceted synthetic blue spinel. For the dial, users are treated to a satin-brushed dial in a fetching silver shade.

Fitted with Roman numeral hour markers and blued sword shaped hands, general timekeeping is easily read, even if there is no luminescence throughout the face. It’s 30 metres of water resistance means you probably wouldn’t be flashing this among any murky reef anyway!

Within the watches beats the reliable 1899 MC calibre. This self-winding mechanical movement provides a rapid 28,800VpH alongside a 40 hour power reserve, allowing the time only functions to be capably supported. Not quite weekend-proof but we’ll let this slide given its timeless looks and wrist appeal.

You can buy a Cartier Tank Américaine at retail for £5,950 as of November 2024.

Santos De Cartier WSSA0064 - Large

Case Thickness	39.8mm
Case Diameter	9.38mm
Dial colour	Brown
Complications	General timekeeping and date
Material	Steel

Next up on our collection of the best Cartier watches is a popular model that most in the know enthusiasts understand well.

The Santos De Cartier is the brand's ode to one of their first ever significant achievements to horology. Originally created in 1904, it was designed for Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed a timepiece on the wrist so he could check the time without having to take his hands off the controls during flight.

Source - Cartier

The end product was of course the highly desirable Santos De Cartier. Fast forward to 2024 and Cartier decided to doll up the Santos De Cartier line once more with a fabulous brown, sun-ray brushed dial.

Coming in 39.8mm x 9.38mm, the watches are an accessible sizing for every kind of gent. Crafted out of steel, the watches do not need precious metals or jewels to boast their luxury! Cartier combines a polished bezel with a brushed case to produce a sports-chic aesthetic.

For the crown, it’s slightly faceted which allows the synthetic faceted blue spinel to be promoted. This adds a pop of colour to the steel shade, but it isn’t an overwhelming contrast that leaves horophiles totally dazed. We’ll leave that to the fabulous brown dial…

This has a satin-finish that is promoted via a graduated aesthetic and a sunray brushed finish through their centre. This allows light to be cast throughout the piece, and bolster the luxury of the timepieces.

Time is easily read via the combined Roman hour numerals and sword shaped hands. The hands are given a luminescent centre for legibility, and the markers are polished to give that Emmy’s or Golden Globes shine.

At 6 o’clock, there is a date aperture which is a welcome addition to the typically low-key designs of the watches. Powering all of these functions is the 1847 MC calibre. This self-winding mechanical movement offers a 40 hour power reserve, fitted with 23 jewels and a rapid 28,800VpH.

The jewels help to reduce friction in the movement, enhancing both performance and precision.

You can buy a Cartier De Santos at retail for £7,400 as of November 2024.

Ballon Bleu De Cartier W2BB0039

Case Thickness	42mm
Case Diameter	13mm
Dial colour	Silver
Complications	General timekeeping
Material	Steel

As rocked by Kate Middleton, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier was originally created in 2007 and is defined by its ability to be a unisex collection. Defined by a rounded case with clean lines and integrated crown, the watches are effortlessly elegant, and top choices for every kind of enthusiast.

Mind you, we are fans of the chronograph versions which are definitely more manly than Gerard Butler running down South Beach. The larger 42mm classic dial is functional and subdued thanks to the date window at 3 whilst the Cartier text under 12 gives it a real balance.

Source - Cartier

This very modern design has been re-invented again in 2024. Introducing the Ballon Bleu De Cartier W2BB0039. Sized at 42mm x 13mm, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier is a decidedly larger model than the Tank, and can be expected to immediately catch eyes.

Crafted out of steel, the watches also infuse a little luxury in the form of a yellow gold bezel and centre links in the bracelet. Given a polished finish across both materials, this would look the part with a black suit when shaking hands.

Interestingly, there is the iconic integrated crown design on the right side of the case. Fitted with a blue synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, the watches design adds another element of beauty to the pieces. The 30 metres of water resistance is not fantastic, but expected for an outwardly dress inspired watch.

For timekeeping, refer to the black Roman numerals and the dark blue sword shaped hands. These stand out well from the silvered guilloché dial. Given a sunray finish centre to a brushed ring for the markers, the minute track is placed around the hands as opposed to the traditional placement of on the periphery.

Home to the 1847 MC self-winding mechanical movement, its 40 hour power reserve is conjoined with a swift 28,800VpH, all kept within a super-slender 3.8mm thickness. Who needs Bulgari when you have this strapped on to the gentlemen’s ball!

You can buy a Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier at retail for £11,600 as of November 2024.

Tank Cintrée Skeleton WHTA0009

Case Thickness	46.3mm
Case Diameter	9.08mm
Dial colour	Openworked
Complications	General timekeeping
Material	Platinum

The Tank Cintrée Skeleton WHTA0009 is an uber-luxurious collection that represents the pinnacle of Cartier’s technical quality and craftsmanship.

Source - Cartier

The Cintrée was originally released back in 1921 as one of the first re-imaginations of the Tank line. Designed to wrap around the wrist, these novelties have been in circulation for over 100 years, and have recently succumbed to hyper-modernity in the form of a skeletonised dial.

In our view, this is one of the best Cartier watches to ever come from the

Tank Cintrée Skeleton WHTA0009. Sized at 46.3mm x 9.08mm, they are designed to take up significant wrist space, but be slender enough to not be a burden on your wrist. The brancard allure remains but the openworked face is a joy to behold.

Crafted out of platinum, the material is rarely seen in the horological industry. When it is used, expect high prices, but a sensational finish of luxury and quality. This time, Cartier opted for a brushed finish along the sides and a polished finish on top to keep the pieces looking oh so fashionable. However, it’s the dial that gets horophiles' hearts skipping a beat.

Completely openworked from front to back, we say dial loosely, as it looks like there is almost nothing there at all! Made up of the movement and three bridges, they all connect to display the minute track. No hour markers here, Timelords. However, the blued hands in the centre are very legible and point clearly to their respective minute on the track.

Even down to the movement, the components have been altered, such as an inclined barrel and balance, to allow it to retain its position. Using the 142 part 9917 MC calibre, this features 21 jewels, 60 hour power reserve and 28,800VpH.

Considering this is all packed within a 3.84mm thick calibre, this is a very impressive level of craftsmanship from this top Swiss watch brand

You can buy a Cartier Tank Cintrée Skeleton WHTA0009 at retail for £76,500 as of November 2024.

Tonneau Skeleton Watch WHTN0005

Case Thickness	37.8mm
Case Diameter	7.9mm
Dial colour	Openworked
Complications	General timekeeping, dual time zone
Material	Rose gold

The Cartier Tonneau line can be traced back to one of the Maison’s very first lines. Originally released back in 1906 when the great San Francisco earthquake occurred, the Tonneau was causing shockwaves themselves.

The outline came just two years after the Santos-Dumont…what would later become the famed tortoise or “Tortue” design that was reintroduced at Watches and Wonders 2024 to great acclaim with the Monopoussoir Chronograph

Source - Cartier

For the reference WHTN0005, the brand has sought to refresh the Tonneau line with a striking new design. Coming in at 37.8mm x 7.9mm, the rose gold watches are thoroughly polished across the bezel.

Furthermore, there are two beaded crowns set at 1 o’clock and 4 o’clock. Fitted with a real blue sapphire cabochon, there’s nothing synthetic about these particular pieces!

For the dial, it’s entirely openworked, exposing the 197 part movement, and 35 jewels fitted within. The interesting element is the two separate “dials”, fitted in at 12 and 6 o’clock. These refer to the dual time zone complications that tie in with two separate hour and minute indicators.

These are built upon rose gold skeletonised bridges and secured with steel screws. Affixed onto a grey alligator leather strap, this is a special occasion timepiece, or one if you happen to have a hit song to rival All You Need Is Love.

Residing within is the Calibre 9919 MC, providing a 60 hour power reserve and 28,800VpH. The 30 metres of water resistance isn’t fantastic, but we think you’d only pull this out for those big events or award ceremonies!

You can buy a Cartier Tonneau Skeleton Watch WHTN0005 at retail for £74,000 as of November 2024.

Santos De Cartier W2SA0030

Case Thickness	39.8mm
Case Diameter	9.38mm
Dial colour	Grey
Complications	General timekeeping and date
Material	Steel

The Santos De Cartier W2SA0030 is a fresh addition to the Santos De Cartier lineup, and it sees the combination of yellow gold and steel in a fabulous blend of luxury and affordability.

This variation comes under the “large” category, meaning this does fall under the statement watch title. However, what Cartier classifies as large, is nothing quite like Panerai’s Luminor or Rolex’s Sea-Dweller definition! We are talking gargantuan with these two examples.

Source - Cartier

With a case diameter of 39.8mm and a thickness of less than 10mm (9.38mm), the watches offer 100 metres of water resistance which is unusual for the dressy Cartier line. But it means you can wear this in the shower and the pool without any concerns.

Available in steel and yellow gold, the combination is phenomenal, especially since steel allows the pieces to be cheaper than full precious metal variants. You can see the yellow gold elements across the bezel and the screws in the steel strap.

Fitted with a steel crown with a faceted, synthetic blue spinel, they retain the classic essence of the Santos De Cartier lineup. For the dial, it’s given an anthracite grey shade. Given a satin-finish graduation, this runs from a light grey centre to a black periphery.

Even though the Roman numeral hour markers and sword shaped hands clearly stand out, they are polished which means they are clearly distinguishable from the face. This works well with the date aperture at 6 o’clock which also has a grey dial.

Perhaps the E. L. Gray of timepieces, it does stand out from normal Santos models. Inside beats the 1847 MC self-winding mechanical movement, offering a 40 hour power reserve alongside a strong 28,800VpH.

You can buy a Cartier Santos at retail for £11,200 as of November 2024.

Rontonde De Cartier WHRO0065

Case Thickness	45mm
Case Diameter	12.57mm
Dial colour	Grey Skeleton
Complications	General timekeeping, perpetual calendar, tourbillon and minute repeater, perpetual calender.
Material	Rose gold

The Rontonde De Cartier evolved to the Heueres Sautantes back in 2011, wherein it came in white and pink gold, making Cartier’s very special Fine Watchmaking Collection. The Rontonde De Cartier is defined by its circular shape, noted for their Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands and sapphire cabochon.

Source - Cartier

Behind the timeless elegance, users have the option of going one step further with the immensely complicated Rotonde De Cartier reference WHRO0065.

At 45mm x 12.57mm, the rose gold material is accompanied with an 18K beaded rose gold crown and signature blue sapphire cabochon. Water resistance to just 30 metres, the watches are primed solely for the boardroom and maybe a stray splash of champagne after scoffing a smoked salmon canape.

Given a brass dial with satin-finished anthracite grey shade, it’s kept as low-key as on-call James Bond and allows the gold, sunray-effect appliques to be boasted. General timekeeping is read via apple-shaped hands, distinguishing themselves clearly from the baton and hammer shaped hands on each complication.

We say each as you have a plethora of top options to choose from! For example, there is a perpetual calendar, flying tourbillon and a minute repeater, all of which feature anthracite grey borders for legibility and skeletonised centres in keeping with the rest of the dial.

Within the watches is the highly complex 578 part movement, the 9506 MC calibre. Fitted with 44 jewels, they beat at a steady rhythm of 21,600VpH and have a 50 hour power reserve.

You can buy a Cartier Rotonde De Cartier at retail when you request a price as of November 2024. Be quick…they are capped at only 15 pieces!

Cartier Tank Must Solarbeat

Debuted in 2021, this next best Cartier will have you reaching for a brand new beat.

The Tank Solarbeat indicated an ultra-modern take on the classic collection that runs as far back as 1917. But, revamped for 2024 through a silent release, this is definitely a keeper, and not one to immediately sell part-exchange.

Source - Cartier

Crafted out of solid stainless steel, the watches' case specs are 29.2mm x 6.6mm with polishing across the emblematic rectangular case sides. Inspired by the branchards of tanks Louis Cartier spotted on the Western Front, they are very slight, and effortlessly work with every formal ensemble. Suits, ties, and everything in between!

Affixed onto the side is a beaded crown that's fitted with a synthetic cabochon shaped spinel. Adding a hint of navy blue against the silvery shades, the crown’s security offers 30 metres of water resistance. Not likely to break any records, but it’s enough for the urban city-dweller!

For the dial, this is where things get a little techy. What we see is the classic silvered dial with black Roman hour markers and central blued hands. These competently read the time, and are framed by the iconic internal minute track. Aside from general timekeeping, the dial serves as a power source.

That’s right, we are well and truly in the 21st Century!

However, like a Beatles song, some things are enduring. In fact, we recommend you check out our article 9 Grail Watches You Should Start Collecting Today to see those that might just prove to be investment-worthy!

Defined as photovoltaic, this principle is based within the dial and in no way alters the actual aesthetic of the face. If you cast a close look, the Roman numerals are ever so slightly perforated. Within them, the photovoltaic cells linger, drawing power from light and converting it into electricity.

Shockingly good you might say.

Representing the first watch to utilise such tech, it required two years to create the technology, working in conjunction with the SolarBeat ™ movement. This quartz SolarBeat calibre has the potential to have a lifespan of at least 16 years. This is significantly longer than other standard quartz calibres that average around 5 to 10 years.

You can buy a Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat at retail for £3,500 as of November 2024.

Panthère de Cartier - Yellow Gold WGPN0009

The Panthère de Cartier is a timeless, unisex item that has been adorned by some of the great celebs to walk the red carpet. Be it Rolling Stones Keith Richards or actor Timothée Chalamet, everyone wants to flex the mysterious panther!

Maybe trend-follower Andrew Tate will jump aboard…

Source - Cartier

For the gent who likes his Cartier, but wants something that accentuates luxury and desirability, this yellow gold Panthère is a top option. It’s a similar horological draw for the automotive lovers still racing to buy a Rolex Daytona this year, or that one timekeeping fan who seeks to snap up all the winning watches from GPHG.

Save some for the rest of us at least!

Measuring 36.5mm x 6.4mm in yellow gold splendor, it utilises the precious metal throughout. Offering 30 metres of water resistance, the watches are protected by a synthetic sapphire glass over the top. On the right of the case is a petite ridged crown with a blue sapphire cabochon affixed.

For the dial, we see a silvered shade with prominent black Roman numeral hour markers and central blued hands. Fitted with a central minute track, you can accurately measure time without any interference from excess complications.

Finalised with a yellow gold 5 link bracelet, they are a true representation of their unwavering commitment to luxury and beauty. Let’s be honest, a rubber strap borders on abuse for a watch of this beauty! Stylish, emblematic and suitable from boardroom to a dinner soiree, these terrific timepieces are definitely a gents best friend.

Ticking within the watches is a quartz movement, reliably powering the hours and the minutes while ensuring you keep optimal time wherever you are.

You can buy a Cartier de Panthère at retail for £25,400 as of November 2024.

Ballon Bleu De Cartier WJBB0056

A legend in its field, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier is one collection that simply should not be brushed over for a split-second.

Source - Cartier

Launched in 2007, the collection’s initial inspiration came from hot air balloons, as noted by the emblematic circular case, and still does today. Translated as “Blue Balloon” it is akin to the blue sapphire cabochon on the side of the case.

Before we also get taken up to horological nirvana, we recommend that you take a seat and hitch a flight on the stunning Ballon Bleu De Cartier WJBB0056.

Totalling 40mm x 12.4mm, the watches are crafted out of rose gold and expertly finished with a polished aesthetic throughout. The circular bezel acts as a prime frame for the silvered face to shine from, especially since it’s adorned with 52 brilliant cut diamonds totalling 1.06 carats.

The silvered face has a sun-ray finish, allowing the black Roman numerals markers to be clearly distinguished, alongside central blued hands. Would we have liked to see something a little more exciting like the Atelier Wen Perception Millesime with purple dial? Sure, but, we would be violating the Cartier principles of refined luxury!

Given the characteristic circle over the crown on the right of the case, it is exceptionally luxurious, and should not be slept on as a contemporary accessory for the suited gent.

Kicking like a horological mule within is the 1847 MC calibre. Offering a 40 hour power reserve, this self-winding calibre is designed to be reliable and ensure consistent power to the date aperture and main timekeeping functions. For fan boys (and girls) of this brand, it is a genuine belter of a watch no doubt about it.

You can buy a Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier at retail for £28,300 as of November 2024.

Tank Must Extra-Large WSTA0053

In search of our next best Cartier watch, it is about time we did a Morgan Spurlock…and go Super Size. What are we harping on about?

Usually defined by their tight dimensions, how they casually slip under cuffs and how they catch the light like the morning sun on a snowy, Christmas garden, the brand have sought to change things up with a bulbous retake of the original 1977 Tank Must line.

Stay with us.

Source - Cartier

When we say extra-large, it may seem a little redundant as it appears Cartier is unable to actually do anything that’s truly extra-large. The specs total 41mm x 8.37mm of solid steel, built into the rectangular case with polished edges and tops.

However, credit where credits due.

While it may not touch a glove on the platinum Patek Philippe Cubitus 5822P-001 at 45mm x 9.6mm, it does tower over other dress watches in the industry, including one of LeBron James watches, namely the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 50th Anniversary 16202BA at 39mm x 8.1mm, or John Mayer’s Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-014 (40mm x 8.3mm)

Therefore, this unique piece from Cartier may turn a few eyes…and wrists.

The silvered flinqué dial allows the blued central hands in the hands to clearly stand out, alongside legible black Roman numerals around the edge. Fitted with a functional date aperture at 6 o’clock and a central minute track, these novelties are ultra precise and destined to be one of the best Cartier’s you ever flex!

Keeping excellent time is the 1847 MC calibre. Fitted with 23 jewels, this offers a 28,800VpH alongside a modest 40 hour power reserve.

You can buy a Cartier Tank Must Extra-Large WSTA0053 at retail for £5,100 as of November 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cartier As Prestigious As Rolex?

In short, no, Rolex is comfortably the larger horological brand with more than 30% market share. However, we suggest that the guys over at Cartier HQ don’t take it to heart. Not many brands are!

Releasing around 500,000 watches per year, Cartier has become a go-to brand for a number of celebrities, including Kanye West and Tyler The Creator with their respective Cartier Crash timepieces while brand ambassadors feature Rami Malek.

Rolex is the real standard when it comes to celebrity clientele and prestige. Associated with past and present stars, from Paul Newman to John Mayer, these are the guys that have their own nicknames!

Producing 1 million watches per year, Rolex covers every genre of timepiece, including the aviation inspired GMT-Master and Sky-Dweller, sea-based lines like the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller to the exceptionally dressy Datejust and Day-Date. And that’s not without mentioning the 1908 line from Watches and Wonders 2023.

Cartier does have significant lines, including the first wristwatch, the Cartier Santos, the Western Front inspired Cartier Tank and the prestigious Française that has been worn by everyone from Mick Jagger to Princess Diana. However, they fail to have the same resale value of Rolex.

It’s estimated that most Rolex models will either hold their value upon resale or increase in price. This is a feat which very few brands can attest to, with the list typically limited to Audemars Piguet as well as Holy Trinity members Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.

However, Cartier is not alone. From Breitling to TAG Heuer, these are the brands that will lose on average between 15% to 50% of their value on the secondary market. This is no insult to these horological titans…that’s just the way the market works!

Which Cartier Watch Is The Most Iconic?

This is a tricky one but in our view it would be the Crash.

No we didn’t go for the horrifying events at war that inspired the Tank, or the practicality of the Santos Dumont that made it the first wrist watch. The rectangular designs of both models are legendary in their own right. But, there is another line that is so mysterious and hard to buy, that it has prompted a flurry of celebs to invest quickly!

Originating in 1967, the history behind the Cartier Crash is rumoured to have been the end product of a Cartier executive involved in a car crash. Among the flames, his Cartier Baignoire was salvaged, wherein it had almost completely melted.

Others say that the watches were inspired by Salvador Dali, The Persistence of Memory painting. You know, the one with a melted clock?

With such a mysterious past, alongside the lucid, psychedelic era of the ‘60s adding some of the wacky charm, the Cartier Crash is an exciting piece that’s only available in precious metals and highly desirable across the board.

Which Cartier Watch Does Kate Middleton Wear?

Our Royal family knows no bounds when it comes to knowing their horological beans. While we can wax lyrical on Prince William’s Omega Seamaster or Prince Harry’s Breitling Aerospace, it’s maybe Kate Middleton that takes the ultimate crown.

She opts for the fabulous Cartier Ballon Bleu which is crafted out of stainless steel and secured by a steel bracelet. Fitted with two blue hands, her 33mm timepiece is a stunning addition to any discerning Royals wardrobe.

Is Cartier Watch Overpriced?

While Cartier watches are maybe not the best bet as investment pieces, they are certainly not classified as overpriced.

When you buy a Cartier, you are acquiring an age old ethos of top quality craftsmanship. After all their slogan is, the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers. As the regal go-to jewellery purveyor since 1902, they have been associated with the highest calibre of celebrity, noted for their phenomenal and important collections.

Using materials like precious metal yellow gold and white gold to platinum, the watches are built to the highest of standards. Furthermore, each collection has enough buzz and attraction to be instantly noticeable when on the wrist.

Be it the Cartier Cheich with its Turaeg (face cloth) inspiration from the Paris-Dakar race inspiration, the Cartier Tank, or the melted construction of the Cartier Crash, each line has a distinguishing characteristic that makes it appealing and enduring.

From creating the first wristwatch, the Santos-Dumont to being on the wrists of current and past icons like Jay-Z and Andy Warhol, Cartier is neither overpriced or overrated.

It truly is a top luxury watch brand!

Do Cartier Watches Hold Their Value?

Generally, Cartier will not hold their value upon resale.

Remember that this is indicative of the majority of the major hitters in the industry, from Breitling to Zenith and TAG Heuer to Tudor. While they will lose anywhere between 15% to 50%, Cartier will generally only lose around 10%.

Generally, it’s the principles of supply and demand that indicate the possible value of a watch. The more in demand a watch is, and the lower the supply, the higher the price as more people will be willing to buy a watch that is not prominent in the marketplace.

And guess what. Cartier absolutely has a number of models of this ilk!

One example is the phenomenal Tortue Minute Repeater from way back in 1929. Not only is this a part of the sensational Tonneau lineup, but this very model represented the sole minute repeating watch made by the Swiss titans during the Art Deco era.

Another helpful investment addition is the yellow gold case that allowed the watches to glean an auction value of just under £900,000 in 2002.

Another example that shows the inherent rarity and possible value behind some of their models is The Cheich.

Crafted out of the three golds, pink, white and yellow, the material is incredibly stylish. Crafted in a woven style to mimic the Turaeg, the watch was won by the competition winner, Gaston Rahier. It was later sold at auction in 2022 for around £870,000.

While the standard models may not hold their value upon resale, their vintage or scarce models do perform well and may very well be worth the investment.

Is Cartier Worth Investing?

Absolutely. If you wish to buy a watch that has a very impressive lineage, strong breadth of style, iconic designs and powerful movements…well, you cannot get much better than Cartier!

You can be ensured of the watches longevity and quality due to the stringent tests that each watch undergoes. One such example is testing the mechanical resistance, wherein the crown is persistently altered, the clasp is opened and shut and the watch is taken on and off the wrist.

Simulating 10 years of wear, it demonstrates the physical capabilities of wear and tear akin to Jaeger-Lecoultre’s stringent 1000 hour test

On the technical side, the movements are examined for a total of 8 days before being released to ensure the accuracy and quality of the calibre. If you are looking to buy a Cartier for the resale element, you may be let down. However, there are some models which are scarce or discontinued, and can prove to be top investments over time.

For example, the Cartier Crash (Un)Limited is crafted out of white gold and coated with an astonishing 4,600 diamonds. It sells for £375,000 at retail as of August 2024. Yet, this isn’t the only watch at retail that may be a fantastic investment option.

The Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Double Tourbillon watch is crafted out of the ultra-rare 950 platinum material and has a diamond infused dial. You can buy it at retail for £295,000 as of August 2024.

Whether it’s the legendary and instantly recognisable designs to the high-level of craftsmanship that goes behind the watches, the pieces are physically and technically worth the investment, supported by over a hundred years of horological lineage.

Which Celebrities Wear Cartier Watch?

Cartier is the go-to watch for every kind of celebrity. From old icons like Andy Warhol and Princess Diana to Muhammed Ali, there are a host of clientele who adorn this brand. Don’t forget musicians like rock n roll icon Mick Jagger, actors Jeff Goldblum (Tank Solo) Sebastien Stan (Panthère de Cartier) and basketball player Dwayne Wade (Green Tank Louis Cartier) are part of their timekeeping crew.

Conclusion

Michael Jackson sang “Baby, love never felt so good”. Well, Mike…we think Cartier watches have never looked so fine! They have been running for over a century and most of our tributes must go to none other than Monsieur Louis-François Cartier. Merci beaucoup.

From the artistry of the Santos Dumont Skeleton - Yellow Gold to the sportiness of the Calibre Diver and the scintillating Santos-Dumont Rewind in 2024, they have us covered from sipping cocktails on Oxford Street to deep sea diving in the azure-coloured seas of the Maldives.

We recommend doing some of your own research before making a decision. Hopefully reading our guide to the best Cartier watches to buy right now is a small price to pay to look your finest. And we know the place to find the best Cartier watches at the best possible price in the safest and most secure environment.

Time is ticking.

Feeling a desire to own a Cartier? Want to buy a Cartier Tank or Ronde? We wouldn’t blame you as the options are endless! Timelord’s, it's time that Chrono Hunter showed you the horological path to perfection.

Contact us here to receive multiple offers via our established network of luxury retailers. Check out our phenomenal reviews on Trustpilot to see why so many people regard us as their first choice when they want to buy a watch or sell a watch.

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