Everything You Need to Know About Cartier Watches

Savvy watch collectors might argue that Cartier watches are the accessory of the year. The brand offers timeless and iconic designs that have made waves across the globe. Not only are these watches the accessory of choice for much of England’s royal family, but they are also a favorite of A-listers and celebrities from the United States to Southeast Asia.

Cartier’s rich history and high-quality craftsmanship makes the brand stand out from its competitors, and it has risen in the ranks to rival even horology’s big four watch brands. As one of the most respected and popular luxury brands out there, Cartier watches are in high demand on the secondary market. This desirability and scarcity has increased prices, making these timepieces an excellent investment that might even grow in value over time.

Today, we are going to take a closer look at the ins and outs of Cartier watches. We will cover the brand’s storied legacy as well as celebrities who love Cartier and some of our favorite Cartier models that are perfect for channeling the hottest fashion trends of 2025. Now, it is time to dive headfirst into the good stuff.

French brand Cartier was established in 1847, but watches were not at the forefront of its vision back in the 19th century. The brand started out as a jewelry house, mainly focused on women’s accessories set with precious stones. It was founded by Louis-François Cartier, an ambitious young jeweler in Paris who took over his master’s workshop. Cartier’s masterful craftsmanship almost immediately captured the attention of the Parisian aristocracy, and the brand quickly became a symbol of taste and class in the French social sphere.

Though jewelry was the workshop’s central anchor, there were some early examples of Cartier timekeepers in the form of pendant and pocket watches. Since these early days, Cartier was known for fusing the artistry and finesse of jewelry with the mechanical mastery required for precision timekeeping. With a deep understanding of both fashion and mechanics, founder Louis-François Cartier built a reputation that preceded him.

After Louis-François Cartier passed, the business remained in his family. His children and grandchildren infused the brand with fresh perspectives and modern innovation. One of their biggest changes was the shift into the horological sphere. In 1904, the jewelry-first narrative began to shift. The company introduced the Cartier Santos, which was purpose-built for the famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.

The Cartier Santos stands out as one of the first wristwatches designed exclusively for men, in contrast to the gender-neutral pocket watches that were popular at the turn of the century. The Cartier Santos allowed Santos-Dumont to check the time while flying, without grappling to get a pocket watch out of his trousers. It was also convenient for everyday consumers, and the Santos watch became quite popular. It signifies an incredible innovation in the early era of aviation as well as Cartier’s first (highly successful) foray into mass market timepieces.

In 1917, Cartier’s success struck again with the much-loved Cartier Tank watch. Inspired by the rugged, angular look of military tanks, the watch emphasized minimalistic elegance and modern tastes. It took the horological world by storm, and it remains one of the most popular pieces in Cartier’s lineup today.

Throughout the subsequent century, Cartier continued to expand its global business and introduce a suite of popular references, many of which toed the line between horology and jewelry. The influence and prestige of these watches began to reach far beyond the French aristocracy, and Cartier timepieces became a status symbol around the world. Perhaps one of the most famous Cartier watches is Jackie Onassis Kennedy’s Cartier Tank, a gift from her brother-in-law, which she often wore and was photographed in. The watch was recently auctioned off for over $379,000, according to Forbes.

From global politicians to Hollywood stars, Cartier continues to make a mark. Owning a Cartier watch is a testament to your own class, taste, and style. These timepieces transcend trends, making them timeless additions to any watch collection.

When discussing Cartier watches, we would be remiss not to share some of the many household names who love these gorgeous timepieces. Chances are high that you will recognize more than a few people on this list.

This is just a small sampling of the movie stars, athletes, and other celebrities who have made Cartier watches a staple of their wardrobes. Who would not want to be part of this elite group?

There are plenty of different Cartier models to choose from, but there are a few that stand out to us as perfectly aligned with the trends of this year. Let us take a closer look.

There is no doubt that the Cartier Baignoire is one of the hottest watches of 2025. It has been a perennial hit with celebrities all year long, appearing on wrists like Kylie Jenner, Elle Fanning, and Lou Dillon. This iconic timepiece has been around for a while, but it is certainly having a moment right now. Its small silhouette is perfect for the dominant mini watch trend, and it can even be stacked or layered with bracelets for a particularly opulent look.

When we talk about Cartier blurring the lines between watches and jewelry, the glamorous La Dona De Cartier is the perfect example. This 18K white gold watch measures just 29 mm in diameter, but it packs a punch on the wrist. The bezel and bracelet are set with diamonds, and the bracelet’s overlapping links create an almost “braided” effect. The Roman numeral dial adds to the elegance and sophistication of this stellar timepiece. Of course, Cartier’s iconic sword-shaped blue hands are the cherry on top. Whether you are treating yourself or giving the gift of a lifetime, you cannot go wrong with the sparkling La Dona De Cartier.

The bold, architectural design of the Cartier Pasha is not to be overlooked. This elegant stainless steel watch features a skeletonized dial that allows the wearer an intimate look at the inner workings of this mechanical marvel. Oversized Arabic numerals at the cardinal positions add to the elegant facade. This openworked watch showcases the technical prowess of Cartier watchmaking. Above all else, it is simply a sight to behold on the wrist.

One cannot discuss the legacy of Cartier without touching on the iconic and unusual design of the Cartier Crash. The Crash first hit the market in the 1960s and was a product of the brand’s London boutique, run by Jean-Jacques (JJ) Cartier. Despite this watch’s look, it is not inspired by the classic Salvador Dali painting “The Persistence of Memory,” which is a common misconception. Instead, legend has it that JJ was inspired to create the Crash after a longtime client brought a damaged Cartier Baignoire into the boutique. The watch had been crushed and damaged in a car accident, but JJ saw incredible potential. Inspired by the “melted” look of the watch, he designed a brand-new addition to the Cartier lineup, which is still a favorite of many celebrities and Cartier fans at large today.

Here at Avi & Co., we are proud to have earned our reputation as Manhattan’s premier source for luxury watches. We specialize in world renowned brands like Cartier, Rolex, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. But that is not all we offer. In addition to carrying the big names of the watch world, we have recently launched our very own lines of Avi & Co. watches that up the ante on style and sparkle. Furthermore, our namesake Diamonds by Avi & Co. jewelry collection offers chic accessories for the timeless, sophisticated woman.

No matter what you are shopping for, our expert customer service team is here to help. Every customer who walks into our boutiques (you can find us in New York City, Aspen, and Miami) is welcomed into our tight-knit family. We cannot wait to meet you!

So, what are you waiting for? Make an appointment today to shop with us in person.