With royal warrants ranging from Thailand to Russia and much of Europe, it is no surprise that King Edward VII of England famously referred to Cartier as the ‘jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers’. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, the firm came to dominate international jewellery design in the early 20th century under the auspices of his three enterprising sons: Louis Cartier in Paris, Pierre Cartier in New York and Jacques Cartier in London. With a roster of visionary designers such as Charles Jacqueau and Pierre Lemarchand, and charismatic creative director Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s designs articulated a wide range of influences into highly original and elegant jewels that defined their eras. Their ‘Tutti Frutti’ pieces brought carved emeralds, rubies and sapphires adapted from Indian jewels together in riotous combination from the mid 1920s, while their opulent ‘big cat’ jewels draped themselves across such legendary collectors as Barbara Hutton and the Duchess of Windsor, and became the house’s most beloved mascots. Cartier continues to inspire collectors worldwide with such design classics such as ‘Juste un Clou’ and ‘LOVE’ bracelets, as well as the versatile ‘Tank’ range of watches, and their supremely imaginative high jewellery collections.

Cartier

Important Watches

Cartier Baignoire Allongée, Reference 2674 A yellow gold wristwatch, Circa 2005 Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 8970 MC mechanical, 18 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, case back secured by 4 screws Case number: 124776 AF Closure: unsigned red alligator strap and gold-plated buckle Size: 47 mm length x 22 mm width Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none In the pantheon of Cartier wristwatch designs, there are several categories that have a bearing on both collectability and price, with the majority of creations by Louis and Jean-Jacques Cartier becoming the most popular and important. These include the Tank Louis, Santos, Crash and also the Baignoire. However, the Baignoire would join the hallowed ranks of models which would grace the drafting tables of both great men. Indeed, the original design which would eventually become the Baignoire was conceived by Louis Cartier himself and presented to Maria Pavlovna, Grand Duchess of Russia. Decades later, the one-off creation would be reinterpreted by Jean-Jacques Cartier, head of the London branch, into what was then known as the Oval and Maxi Oval. Still produced in small quantities, as were all watches made by the London workshop, these designs served as the launchpad for what would eventually become the Baignoire and Bagnoire Allongée. After Cartier left family ownership in the 1970s, the Baignoire name was finally given to the Oval-shaped wristwatch, with the Bagnoire Allongée first appearing in 1991 as an oversized offering calling back to the London Maxi Oval. The Allongée was never made in large quantities with the present example belongs to a subsequent run produced during the early 2000s, and it is imbued with the glorious history of both the brand and the men who made it what it was, Louis and Jean-Jacques Cartier.

View 1 of Lot 2157: Baignoire Allongée, Reference 2674 | A yellow gold wristwatch, Circa 2005

baignoire allongée, reference 2674 | a yellow gold wristwatch, circa 2005

Crafted in rhodium-plated 18K white gold and adorned with 440 brilliant-cut diamonds (≈1.46 ct) and 44 vivid tsavorite garnets, the Cartier Animal Jewelry watch is a bold yet refined wearable work of art. This exceptional timepiece merges Cartier’s high-jewelry artistry with timeless design, showcasing a striking black lacquer motif and hand-applied panther design powerfully reflect the wild elegance of the house’s signature animal theme. Includes Cartier box, card, loupe and additional strap.

Animal Jewelry Watch (Reference HPI01617). An unworn white gold diamond and gem-set quartz wristwatch. 2024

The <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier/baignoire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baignoire</a> is an iconic women’s watch collection, instantly recognizable by its elliptical “bathtub” case. First designed by Louis Cartier in 1912, the shape began as a stretched oval and has since evolved into a hallmark of timeless Parisian elegance.Over the decades, the Baignoire has become a symbol of French chic, celebrated for its understated proportions and refined curves.

Baignoire. A 23mm yellow gold quartz bracelet watch. 1990

100th Anniversary Limited Edition of 150 watches. Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box, card, loupe, strap tool, and hang tag.

Tank Chinoise Limited Edition (Reference WGTA0088). A 39.49mm yellow gold manual wind wristwatch. 2022

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box.

Pasha (Reference WJ124005). A 42mm rose gold diamond-set automatic wristwatch.

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> papers and presentation non-Cartier box.

Tortue (Reference WA501010). A 30mm rose gold diamond-set manual wind wristwatch. 2016

Tank Americaine XL (Reference W2609956). A 52mm white gold automatic wristwatch with date.

<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a>’s “Secret” watches of the 1960s are among the maison’s most intriguing creations, blending high jewelry artistry with discreet timekeeping. These pieces were designed so that the dial remained hidden, revealed only when desired, and often took the form of a jewel encrusted bracelet or decorative ornament.

Cartier. A yellow gold and diamond-set manual wind bracelet watch with concealed dial. Circa 1960

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box and card.

Santos Dumont Large (Reference WJSA0016). A 43.5mm rose gold diamond set quartz wristwatch.

Includes presentation non-<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box.

Tank Francaise Medium (Reference WE1014SC). A 30mm white gold diamond-set quartz wristwatch.

The present <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier/santos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Santos</a> is a classy watch featuring a mechanical movement in a slim case profile. The dial features <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a>’s classic black Roman numerals against white.

Santos (Reference 96061). A yellow gold mechanical wristwatch, Circa 1990

Tonneau (Reference WE400251). A 39.2mm white gold diamond-set manual wind wristwatch.

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box and undated card.

Ballon Bleu Medium (Reference WJBB0033). A 33mm rose gold diamond-set automatic wristwatch.

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> card and presentation non-Cartier box.

Ballon Bleu Medium (Reference WJBB0034). A 36mm rose gold diamond-set automatic wristwatch. 2019

Ballon Bleu (Reference WGBB0054). A 33mm rose gold diamond-set automatic wristwatch. 2023

Tortue (Reference WA501007). A 30mm white gold diamond-set manual wind wristwatch.

Rendered in platinum, the present watch is highly collectible due to its salmon sunburst dial and ultra thin case. The watch was made to celebrate its founder, Louis-François <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a>. The watch is numbered 48 of a limited edition of 70 pieces only.&nbsp;

Tank (Reference 1601) A limited edition ultra slim platinum mechanical wristwatch with salmon dial, Made to commemorate Louis-François Cartier, Circa 1997

Louis Cartier Dandy wood and platinum fountain pen.<ul><li>Model: Dandy</li><li>Cap and Barrel: Wood and platinum</li><li>Nib/Tip: Eighteen karat white gold medium nib</li><li>Signed: Louis Cartier on cap</li><li>Does not include a presentation box.</li><li>This piece is final sale and not eligible for return.</li></ul>

Dandy Fountain Pen

The <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier/ballon-bleu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier/ballon-bleu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ballon Bleu </a>in rose gold adorned with diamonds represents a pinnacle of luxury within the iconic collection. Celebrated for its distinctive “doubly convex” case, the design curves gracefully to the wrist, marrying technical refinement with timeless elegance.

Ballon Bleu (Reference WJBB0036) A 33mm rose gold and diamond-set automatic watch. 2019

Tank Louis Small (Reference WGTA0011). A 33.7mm rose gold manual wind wristwatch. 2023

Santos de Cartier Medium (Reference WJSA0014). A 35.1mm white gold diamond set automatic wristwatch.

Santos Dumont Small (Reference WJSA0017). A 27.5mm rose gold diamond-set quartz wristwatch.

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box and papers.

Pasha de Cartier (Reference WHPA0017). A 41mm black ADLC stainless steel automatic wristwatch. 2023

Baignoire de Cartier Small (Reference WJBA0031). A 31.4mm rose gold diamond-set quartz wristwatch. 2024

Tortue (Reference WA503751). A 34mm rose gold diamond-set manual wind wristwatch.

Ballon Bleu (Reference WE900251). A 28mm rose gold diamond-set quartz wristwatch.

Coussin de Cartier Medium (Reference WJCS0005). A 31mm rose gold diamond-set quartz wristwatch. 2022

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> card (date illegible) and presentation non-Cartier box.

Ballon Bleu (Reference W3BB0023). A 33mm rose gold stainless steel diamond-set automatic wristwatch. Circa 2023

Vendome Bi-Plan (Reference W1514457). A 32mm yellow gold manual wind wristwatch.

Over the past years, <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> has created countless&nbsp;iconic watches with elegant yet distinctive forms:&nbsp;Tortue (tonneau form), <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?Watch%20Model=Baignoire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baignoire</a> (oval shaped), Santos (square) and the classic Tank (rectangular).&nbsp;According to Cartier, the first Baignoire&nbsp;emerged in 1912 and the&nbsp;official Baignoire&nbsp;was introduced in 1957. It is an elegant ellipse uniquely forged in a single line, and often set firmly in the realms of jewelry. The curved&nbsp;case features elongated&nbsp;numerals that's&nbsp;typical of Cartier typography, yet it offers&nbsp;a new take on how to balance an&nbsp;oval-shaped dial.&nbsp; Includes Cartier box.

Baignoire XL (Reference WB520022). A 44mm yellow gold diamond-set manual wind wristwatch.

Cartier Tank Louis (Reference WJTA0011). A 29.5mm white gold diamond-set manual wind wristwatch. 2018

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/cartier?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cartier</a> box, papers, loupe, cloth, and tool.

Tank Chinoise (Reference WGTA0075). A 39.5mm rose gold manual wind wristwatch. 2022

Results for "cartier watches"