Few other jewellers command the same respect as French powerhouse Cartier, and with celebrated releases adorning wrists for more than a century, a Cartier must always make its way into every watch enthusiast’s collection.
Since its founding by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the jeweller and watchmaker has been synonymous with luxury and elegance. Over the years, the French Maison has cemented its enduring legacy at the pinnacle of the luxury industry, renowned the world over for exquisite pieces that boast iconic designs.
Cartier’s transformation into a global luxury brand can be credited to Louis-François’ grandchildren – Louis, Pierre, and Jacques – who were instrumental in propelling the French brand beyond the well-kept Parisian streets of the early 20th century, releasing innovative designs that have continued to set the standard in haute horlogerie.
From the introduction of the first Cartier Tank in 1917, with its revolutionary rectangle case, Roman numeral dial, and sapphire cabochon crown, to the iconic Cartier Crash of the late 60s, Cartier has released numerous iconic pieces that have stood the test of time. Here we’ll take a look at some of the hottest Cartier releases, available in 2024.
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In this Most Popular Cartier Watches 2024 article:
Santos de Cartier Dumont-Rewind
Reference Number: WGSA0102
Case Material: Steel
Case Size: 31.4mm
Price: $38,400 USD (~$58,400 AUD)
One of Cartier’s most iconic collections, the Santos de Cartier needs no introduction. Featuring the brand’s signature square dial, the Cartier Santos-Dumont is arguably one of the world’s first-ever pilot watches, earning its name from the pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont who required a high-precision instrument for when he took to the skies.
Released this year at Watches & Wonders, Cartier continued its tradition of blending elegance with cutting-edge innovation with a limited edition platinum release. Look beyond the Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind’s striking carnelian dial and you’ll see that the watch’s signature Roman numerals are counting in reverse, anti-clockwise, for a veritable feat of modern watchmaking.
Although, as this novelty was only released in 200 pieces, it might not be possible to head to your nearest boutique to purchase… moving on.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier, Rose Gold, Blue Dial
Reference Number: WGBB0036
Case Material: Rose Gold
Case Size: 42mm
Price: $23,900 AUD
Cartier watches don’t always need complications to attract attention, as with this Ballon Bleu. This family of watches represents the epitome of elegance the brand has become renowned for, and thanks to its slimline design and curvaceous body, it can happily slide under a shirt cuff whether attending a formal event or heading into the office.
This particular model, finished with a blue dial and matching blue alligator-skin strap, plays on the favourable trend for blue dial watches, giving it a touch of class in the process. As with all Ballon Bleu watches, a sapphire cabochon is set within the crown, a feature that is imitated across Cartier’s other timepieces, making them instantly recognisable.
Santos de Cartier Skeleton
Reference Number: WHSA0015
Case Material: Steel
Case Size: 28mm
Price: $49,500
Now, I know that skeletonised dials aren’t for everyone, but this particular Santos is a must-have for any Cartier enthusiasts looking for something unique.
Across the dial of the Santos de Cartier Skeleton, Cartier has introduced skeletonised bridges that form the French brand’s signature Roman numeral aesthetic, with the Maison’s own creation, the manually wound Calibre 9611 MC, barely visible through the pockets of this stunning piece. At $49,500, this Cartier is certainly a statement piece for your collection; a sophisticated release from a luxury watchmaker at the peak of its powers.
Cartier Crash
Reference Number: WGBB0036
Case Material: Rose Gold
Case Size:
Price:
The inconsistencies surrounding this particular piece’s origins only add to the alluring appeal of one of Cartier’s most unconventional creations. Spotted on the wrists of celebrities and sports stars, the Cartier Crash has always been an iconic iteration of the French brand’s catalogue, known for its warped, fluid lines and contoured edges.
Whilst you’ll have a hard time finding one of these in your nearest boutiques, full sets are reaching $482,000 AUD on secondary market sites like Chrono24.
Santos de Cartier
Reference Number: WSSA0064
Case Material: Steel
Case Size: 39.8mm
Price: $12,600 AUD
Not only one of the most iconic Cartier models, but one of the most iconic watches to have ever been produced, the Santos de Cartier holds the distinction of being one of the first-ever pilot watches in history, after Louis Cartier designed and produced a piece for his friend and aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.
Today’s iteration of the Santos de Cartier, released at this year’s Watches & Wonders, is a chocolate marvel, complete with the brand’s iconic square dial, Roman numerals and blue spinel. The dial has been finished with an addictive satin-finish gradated brown that contrasts so well behind the polished sword-shaped hands.
Cartier Tank Solo XL, Pink Gold
Reference Number: W5200026
Case Material: 18K Pink Gold and Stainless Steel
Case Size: 31mm x 40.85mm
Price: AU $12,800
The Tank is Cartier’s flagship collection. Inspired by the top-down view of an army tank, it is somewhat poetic that a harsh and brash piece of military equipment would inspire an elegant and iconic wristwatch. The Tank de Cartier family encompasses various models, but all share the same case design in that the case sides extend into the lugs – like the tracks of a tank.
The Tank Solo is a more accessible model within the Tank family, and this XL model, presented on a brown alligator-skin strap and finished in 18K rose gold and stainless steel, is quintessential Cartier. What’s more, you also get a self-winding automatic movement, important, because the majority of the Tank Solo collection is given quartz movements, making this somewhat of a specialty.
Santos de Cartier, Black
Reference Number: WSSA0039
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 47.5mm x 39.8mm
Price: AU $11,600
However, whether your Santos is finished in a classic silver and gold finish, or this Uber-cool all black number, is down to you. Certainly exhibiting a much more modern appearance than its brethren, this all-black Santos – achieved via an Amorphous Diamond-Luke Carbon (ADLC) coating on the case, bezel and crown – including black dial and black date window.
It’s the intricate details on this all-black edition that truly exemplify how good of a watchmaker Cartier is. Some other watchmakers may default to a white date window with black text, for example. Not so here, and in employing a black window instead, the colours aren’t broken up. We also love the black rubber strap, designed to imitate the stainless steel bracelets found on other models through the use of screw-shaped rivets.
If you want a Cartier watch to wear as an everyday piece, this all-black Santos de Cartier could be just the ticket.
RELATED: Cartier’s New Santos-Dumont XL Is The Perfect Dress Watch For Men With Large Wrists
Cartier Tank MC
Reference Number: W5330003
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 44mm x 34mm
Price: $10,600 AUD
Another member of the Tank family is the Tank MC. Unlike the vast majority of Tank watches that preceded it, ever since the model’s launch in 1918, this Tank MC uses an in-house manufacture movement – the ‘MC’ stands for “Manufacture Cartier”. Many Tank de Cartier’s released previously used movements sourced from other watchmakers, such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, among many others.
However, what you get here is Cartier’s 1904 calibre which is used to power the hours, minutes, seconds sub-dial and date. The MC also gets a slightly different case design, employing a slightly curved appearance to improve wear on the wrist. While it may ‘only’ be made from stainless steel, the price tag attached makes for very appealing reading, considering what you get in return.