How Much Is a Cartier Watch?

Cartier is one of the premier luxury watch brands in the world and continues to be a popular choice for those looking to buy a high-end timepiece.

Since its inception in 1847, the luxury brand has offered beautiful and timeless creations inspired by the progression of ideas and artistic movements. If you’re a fan of top-tier watches, you may be wondering, “How much is a Cartier?”

We’ll answer that question and more in this Cartier watch guide. Keep reading to learn more.

How Much Is a Cartier?

Cartiers are some of the most coveted luxury watches in the world. They are often adorned with precious gems and are highly elegant creations. That said, it’s no surprise that their watches can be expensive.

According to their official website, Cartier watches can range from $2,500 to $250,000! Of course, these price ranges will depend on several factors, including the model, the source of the watch, and more.

2023 Cartier Pricing for All Models and References

The pricing of a Cartier watch will differ significantly depending on the model of the watch. We’ll dig deeper into the costs of the different options for Cartier watches below.

Cartier Tank Collection

The Cartier Tank was first created by Louis Cartier in 1917. Military tanks used during World War I inspired the creation of this watch. Although the name comes from a particular period of time, the Tank became an essential and timeless brand on its own.

Over the next century, the Cartier Tank has become one of the most important watch collections.

It has a cult following for those looking for a classy and upscale dress watch that simultaneously provides a rugged look to its wearer. It’s something that can go well with office suits while making a strong statement at the same time.

It was also immediately popular because it was the first wristwatch that featured a square case. It features clean, crisp lines along with an elegant dial.

According to their website, their Tank collection ranges from $2,790 to $94,000. The collection currently has around 70 different models that are divided into automatic or quartz versions.

It features cases of white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and steel, as well as other patented multi-colors of palladium or gold.

Reasons to buy a Cartier Tank:

• Distinctive rectangular case
• One of the most famous dress watches
• Choice of quartz movements or mechanical in-house calibers
• Américaine, WSTA0018 – $4,900
• Française, W51005Q4 – $6,200
• Louis Cartier, W1529756 – $8,500
• MC, W5330003 – $6,300
• Française, W50002N2 – $15,000
• Tank Anglaise, W5310013 – $22,500
• Cintrée, HPI01123 – $83,000
• MC, HPI00623 – $213,000

Cartier Panthère de Cartier Collection

The Cartier Panthère de Cartier collection is a timeless Maison icon that was first seen in 1914. It first garnered a lot of attention because of its pattern that mimicked panther fur.

This watch doubles as a beautiful piece of jewelry and has one of the most distinctive designs of all Cartier watches. Several other jewelry collections have the same name, including necklaces, brooches, and bracelets.

Cartier relaunched this collection in the early 1980s with a more modern look, each equipped with quartz movement.

It has diamonds, gold, and other gemstones. It is a staple watch for women and signifies wildness and freedom. They share the grace and beauty of their wildcat namesake.

The top models can get up to $120,000 and are encrusted with sparkling gems, but there are also much more affordable stainless steel versions.

Some top reasons to buy a Panthère include:

• Beautiful five-piece link bracelets
• Ornate luxury watches with diamonds
• Distinctive round or square case design
• Classic history that goes back to 1914
• WSPN0007 – $4,700
• W2PN0006 – $7,300
• W4PN0007 – $7,600
• WGPN0008 – $19,500
• WJPN0009 – $27,500
• WJPN0019 – $28,000
• HPI01131 – $60,500
• HPI01096 – $109,000

Cartier Pasha de Cartier Collection

In the 1930s, Cartier introduced one of the first water-resistant watches in existence. Although they were revolutionary, they were only water-resistant for a short period due to their square and rectangular models, as water resistance works better for circle models.

In 1943, Cartier offered a gold watch that featured a round case that featured several defining features, including:

• Screw-down case back
• Centrally-positioned lugs
• A grid over the watch crystal
• Screw-down cap for the crown

Because the cap attaches to the case with a small chain, it was nearly impossible to lose.

Ever since its inception, the crown guard has never gone through any changes and remains a crucial part of all of the watches. However, the dial grid was incredibly popular but only appeared on specific models, making them highly coveted.

There are also women’s models, including the Miss Pasha and the Pasha C.

One myth claims that this particular collection was made for the Pasha of Marrakesh, who was a good friend and admirer of Louis Cartier. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.

Reasons to buy the Pasha:

• High-end models feature gold and a tourbillon
• Crown cap connected by a chain
• Water-resistant case and screw-down crown
• Models with a grid
• The legend of the Pasha of Marrakesh
• Pasha Seatimer – $2,400
• Pasha 150th Anniversary Limited Edition – $4,200
• Pasha Chrono – $6,000
• Miss Pasha – $24,000
• Pasha Seatimer Chronograph – $25,500
• Pasha Flying Tourbillon Skeleton – $103,000
• Pasha De Cartier Watch – $120,000

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Collection

The Cartier Ballon Bleu is a beautiful watch that features a round case, a blue sapphire cabochon, and an enclosed crown.

Although Cartier was most famous for creating square and rectangular watches like the Tank or Santos, it added a series of round watches in 2007 — the Ballon Bleu.

It features several different designs, like 28-mm women’s models to 46-mm men’s models. Every single one has a spinel cabochon or a domed sapphire cabochon. The highest models have beautiful, sparkling diamonds encrusted in them.

Reasons to buy the Ballon Bleu:

• Dials and case sets that feature encrusted diamonds
• Complications like a tourbillon, stopwatch, and a moon phase
• Option of quartz or mechanical calibers
• Blue sapphire or spinel on the crown
• Different materials like rose gold, stainless steel, white gold, and yellow gold
• W69010Z4 – $4,000
• WSBB0034 – $4,700
• WSBB0020 (Moon phase) – $7,200
• W2BB0003 – $10,500
• WGBB0036 – $18,000
• BW6920074 (Chronograph) – $20,500
• WE902064 – $36,000
• W6920105 (Tourbillon) – $119,000
• HPI00582 – $236,000

Cartier Santos de Cartier Collection

The Cartier Santos is the world’s first true pilot’s watch. It has an unmistakable square case and Roman numerals and is covered with beautiful, precious metals.

The Santos is the oldest collection of watches that Cartier still manufactures. It was first designed in 1904 by Louis Cartier after the Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont requested it. After completion, it was one of the most unique and beautiful watches.

The square design sets it apart from the more conventional round watches of the time. Nowadays, the modern versions of the Santos still keep true to their original square shape.

It features a beautiful dial design that has Roman numerals and a railroad minute track. The bezel has kept its same eight-screw design for almost 100 years.

There are several different models offered today, but the Santos-Dumont is the most similar to the original produced in 1904. The Santos de Cartier is born from the Santos Sport that was manufactured in the 1970s. Lastly, the Santos 100 is similar to the 2004 version of the collection.

Although the design hasn’t changed much since its inception, the materials and movements have upgraded tremendously. You can find different shades of gold, ceramic, titanium, steel, and several different two-tone versions of the watch.

Reasons to buy a Cartier Santos:

• Beautiful, iconic square case
• Both men’s and women’s models
• The world’s first pilot wristwatch
• One of the oldest watches in the Cartier catalog
• Santos Galbée, 187901 – $2,600
• Santos-Dumont, W2SA0012 – $4,800
• Santos de Cartier, WSSA0029 – $6,300
• Santos 100 XL Chronograph, W20090X8 – $15,000
• Santos de Cartier Chronograph, WGSA0017 – $22,500
• Santos de Cartier Skeleton, WHSA0010 – $45,500
• Santos-Dumont, WH100651 – $51,000

Cartier Ronde de Cartier Collection

This collection has unique features like Roman numerals, a sapphire cabochon, and blue sword-shaped hands. It also includes a winding mechanism with a rail-track minute circle.

• Ronde Must De Cartier Watch – $2,560
• Ronde Louis Cartier Watch – $15,200
• Rotonde De Cartier Watch – $274,000

Cartier Maillon de Cartier Collection

The Maillon de Cartier is one of the newest collections to come out from Cartier. Simply put, these elegant pieces are bracelet watches.

They have a small dial along with a case that is about 16mm x 17mm. The linked bracelet twists in an elegant fashion that has about the same thickness as the case.

It comes in several different metals: pink gold, yellow, and white. The pink-gold watch has diamonds encrusted into the bezel, while the white gold has full pavé diamonds.

The word “maillon” means “link” in French, which is a great way to describe its look. The bracelet itself feels quite heavy for its size but feels perfectly at home on your wrist.

• Maillon De Cartier Watch (white gold) – $43,800
• Maillon De Cartier Watch (quartz gold) – $142,000
• Maillon De Cartier Watch (yellow gold) – $159,000

Cartier Baignoire Collection

The Baignoire watch’s history goes all the way back to 1912. Louis Cartier experimented with the traditional round watch shape and decided to stretch it out. This research finally culminated with the signature Baignoire look — two parallel lines closed by two curves.

It creates the shape of a bathtub (“baignoire” in French). The look of the Cartier Baignoire would continue to evolve until it reached its peak aesthetics in the 1950s. This one featured a slightly curved oval shape. It had a dial stamped with Arabic or Roman numerals along with gold gadroons bordering them.

Today, it has been entirely reworded by Cartier. It still features sophisticated lines and pays homage to the popular 1958 model. Although the design remains the same, the newer version offers:

• A narrower bracelet
• Redesigned Roman numerals
• A silver, sand-blasted background
• A case back that integrates with the case
• Water resistance of up to 30m

On the white-gold version, you can see a gorgeous staggered diamond design along the gadroons and back of the case.

In the 1960s, Cartier created the Baignoire Allongée watch. Inspired by the beat of “Swinging London,” this was created in the workshops of Cartier London. It was an oversized watch, giving its women wearers simplicity and chic.

• Mini Baignoire Watch – $9,450
• Baignoire Watch, Small Model – $10,300
• Baignoire Watch – $27,000
• Baignore Allongée Watch – $50,000

Cartier Roadster

The Roadster is a beautiful and timeless watch that can be distinguished by its barrel-shaped case. It is available in both quartz and mechanical caliber for men and women.

It was originally introduced by Cartier in 2001. Despite its popularity, Cartier retired this collection just ten years later.

The barrel-shaped case was inspired by sports cars of the 1960s, like Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, and Aston Martin. You can see this inspiration in both the case and the crown of the watch. However, this watch isn’t considered a true sports watch.

Rather, it is a versatile dress watch that can go with any outfit, whether it’s a simple polo shirt and jeans, business attire, or evening wear.

The Roadster comes in several different case-size options, which makes it a versatile choice for both men and women. The standard men’s watch is 43x38mm, and the women’s is 36x30mm.

There are three models to choose from, chronographs, as well as models that have a GMT function. The cases can be made out of yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or simply stainless steel. Although most of the watches in this collection come with a modified ETA caliber and automatic winding, you can also find a few quartz-powered models.

Cartier watch features of the Roadster:

• Highly distinguished barrel-shaped design
• Several options to choose from, including stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and two-tone cases
• Quartz and automatic movements
• Both men’s and women’s sizes
• Roadster, 2675 – $2,900
• Roadster, 2510 – $3,100
• Roadster S, 3312 – $3,600
• Roadster GMT, W62032X6 – $4,500
• Roadster Chronograph, W62027Z1 – $6,400
• Roadster Chronograph, W62027Z1 – $12,500
• Roadster Ladies, WE5001X1 – $26,400

Cartier Drive

Cartier’s Drive collection is one of the “forgotten heroes” that doesn’t get as much love as they deserve. Although they were quite popular when they were first released, they have slipped from the collective consciousness of most watch collectors. These luxury watches for men are some of the most underrated pieces out there.

The Drive is a beautiful, simple watch that has an aura of charisma and power. It is quite masculine compared to its other collections.

After the Roadster was discontinued, the Drive collection acted as a spiritual automotive successor to it. Although Cartier has had wonderful success with both rectangular watches like the Tank and Santos, as well as the round Ballon de Cartier — the Drive series lies somewhere in the middle.

It has a cushion-shaped case at 40mm, giving it the perfect size for a men’s dress watch. There are several dial variants available, but the most popular ones are the time-and-date versions with gold or steel.

All of its features were pretty normal for Cartier, but the reason why it got such a positive response from critics was that it was made specifically for men. Not only was it an ambitious new shape, but it was a big deal to pitch only to one gender.

Today, the Drive has received significant additions, including a beautiful symmetrical moon phase and the Extra Flat. The Extra Flat is a slightly smaller case (39mm) and a plainer dial, which brings the height down as well.

• Drive De Cartier Flying Tourbillon Watch – $74,500.00

Factors That Impact Cartier Watch Costs

No matter what type of Cartier watch you get, there are a few factors that will affect its price. Let’s take a look at a few.

Overall Condition

Although the brand Cartier will always fetch a high price on the market, the overall condition of the watch is very important and can create a huge difference in price. These can be both cosmetic and functional. Although certain things can be fixed by experts, not all of them can.

A few cosmetic factors to be aware of include:

• Case features – Most Cartiers include precious metals and are susceptible to dents or scratches
• Crystal and dial – Over time, these important features can be damaged and lower the value
• Strap – This often gets damaged through normal wear and tear

Of course, a watch should be fully functional as well to retain its value. They are incredibly delicate and should be kept in good working condition to keep their value.

Patina

Patina describes the natural aging of certain objects. Certain vintage watches will actually gain value over time because of the watch’s patina.

This can include the oxidation of metals that alter their color, fading, small nicks and scratches, and more. Unlike cosmetic damage, patina is actually desirable in vintage watches.

Authenticity

Cartier watches are valuable and quite rare, so authenticity is important. There are certain factors that will help prove its legitimacy. Some include:

The original box – This is usually leather or strong cardboard that the watch came in originally

Papers – There are often papers that have important information like make and model information and a serial number that can prove authenticity

Although it is entirely possible to sell Cartier watches without these, these objects will help them be sold at higher prices and more quickly.

Demand

Just like any other product in the world, the desirability of the object has a huge impact on its price. Over time, trends and styles shift significantly. At some point, Cartier watches might become incredibly popular, and at others, they won’t.

Certain trends can skyrocket the watch’s value seemingly overnight. Of course, rarity is another important factor that can make certain models or styles much more expensive. If there are only a few of a certain model left on the market, they become much more sought after and collectible.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a Cartier timepiece, it’s important to keep these factors in mind when comparing watch costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have more questions about Cartier watches? Keep reading to see more answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cartier watches.

How Much Does a Cartier Wristwatch Cost?

Cartier is one of the foremost trailblazers when it comes to watchmaking. They set some of the top design standards way back at the beginning of the 20th century. They have several different collections, including:

• Santos
• Tank
• Roadster
• Panthère
• Pasha
• And more

Their wristwatches range anywhere from around $2,500 to $250,000, depending on several different factors.

How Much Is a Cartier Worth?

If you are a fan of luxurious watches, Cartier is one of the best choices. Their catalog features several different watches with a wide range of prices.

If you like square watches, you should start with the Santos collection. You can find a high-quality pre-owned Santos timepiece for around $1,200. The highest-priced versions of these can get up to more than $200,000, depending on the version you choose.

The Tank is another great model that has a square or rectangular case. They start out around $800 but can run up to over $60,000 as well. The Cartier Tank Anglaise features an automatic caliber start, and diamonds can get up to $96,000.

Cartier also has beautiful pieces with round cases. The stainless steel Pasha starts out around $3,000 new, but the gold editions with diamonds can cost around $120,000.

Is a Cartier Watch Worth the Money?

Cartier has a prestigious history and guarantees only the use of the highest-grade precious metals for their watches. They have a high-tech watchmaking laboratory to ensure that only the best timepieces are created with perfect precision.

The fact that Cartier is one of the greatest jewelers in the world has been a bit underrated because of their history as watchmakers. Any buyer of a Cartier watch should be confident that they are getting some of the best timepieces available in the world, both when it comes to materials used and technology.

Cartier watches are an incredibly valuable commodity. Not only do they hold their worth over time, they actually increase in value just like other precious metals like gold or silver.

They are often resold at a premium price when brought to auction because of rarity and high demand. Their legacies last a lifetime.

Is Cartier Cheaper than Rolex?

Yes, entry-level Cartier watches are about half the price of an entry-level Rolex. This makes Rolexes a bit more exclusive and not as attainable for some.

Who Wears a Cartier Watch?

There can only be one king of watches, and that title has been securely taken by Rolex. However, Cartier is seen as a much more luxurious image. Since its inception in the early 1900s, several celebrities, royalty, and notable citizens have worn Cartier watches.

There has recently been a rise in the popularity of Cartier timepieces, but Cartier timepieces have been special for decades. Let’s take a look at some notable wearers of Cartier over the past century.

One of the first movie stars that wore a Cartier wristwatch on screen was Clark Cable in the movie Red Dust in 1932. He wore a unique Tank in this movie. Audrey Hepburn also wore a beautiful Cartier Tank in her timeless film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Steve McQueen wore a Cartier Tank Cintrée n the movie The Thomas Crown Affair.

Another of the most famous people that wore a Cartier Tank is Muhammad Ali. This legendary boxer was often seen with a Cartier Tank JC. The world-famous artist and film director Andy Warhol was a big watch enthusiast and had several Cartier Tanks in his collection.

What about royalty? Princess Dianna, Kate Middleton, and many others were seen wearing beautiful Cartier watches that signified those of the British upper class.

Jackie Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy also wore Cartier watches. Jackie’s gold Cartier Tank became one of the most popular and famous Cartier watches in history.

Other notable Cartier watch wearers include Michelle Obama, Kanye West, Mick Jagger, Rami Malek, Jake Gyllenhall, and more.

Why Is Cartier So Special?

Cartier watches have been known to “transcend time.” Although they have been around for over a hundred years, they are still known to create some of the most recognizable jewelry with the most extravagant gems and skillful craftsmanship known to man.

Many wristwatches, bracelets, necklaces, and rings have actually risen in value rather than depreciate over time.

Is Cartier Actual Gold?

Cartier is one of the top luxury brands in the world. Since its inception, they only use the highest quality materials available. They use 18k gold in all of their jewelry.

How Can You Tell If a Cartier Watch Is Real?

Whenever there are high-quality (and expensive) jewelry or watches, you can be sure that there are several fake pieces floating out on the market. However, telling a fake Cartier watch from a real one is quite simple.

It’s important to note that Cartier’s craftsmanship is unmatched. In a genuine Cartier piece, you will not find even the tiniest of flaws. When looking for fakes, there are several parts that one should look out for.

First, the case should be checked. These cases will never “snap on.” Flathead screws are always used to hold together the pieces of the case together. If you see any cross-shaped Phillips head screws, it should be a red flag.

Cartier watches have ornate rippling patterns on the dial. The decorative details are nearly impossible to replicate. Here, check if the markings are missing or if any of the patterns are uneven.

Below the 6 o’clock marker, you should see the words “SWISS MADE.” At the 7 or 10 o’clock markers, you’ll see the word “Cartier” written in very small and delicate capital letters. This is known as the “secret signature” that can confirm if your watch is authentic or not.

The case back should have the following details:

• The Cartier logo
• A four-digit model number
• The words “water-resistant” and “Swiss-made”
• An eight-character serial number that includes six digits and two letters

On some of the more popular Cartier watches, you can find brilliant blue details on the cabochon and hands of the watches.

Lastly, the weight of the watches is quite heavy. If it feels hollow or light, it is probably fake.

Can You Wear Cartier Every Day?

Although Cartier watches are seen as highly luxurious, they are designed to be versatile and fit many different styles and outfits. They are meant to be worn every day.

Cartier watches are made of the best materials found on the planet and can be worn every day, but should still be given proper care and attention. Keep these tips in mind to keep your Cartier watch in the best shape:

• Do not wear the watch while you are sleeping
• Do not wear a bracelet on the same wrist as your watch
• Avoid wearing your watch during sports like tennis or golf
• Keep your watch away from magnetism
• Avoid extreme changes in temperature and humidity (like saunas)
• Clean your watch with a soft, dry cloth.

Do Cartier Watches Lose Value?

Cartier watches are amazing investments. Not only do they keep their worth over time, they often increase in value just like other valuable materials like gold and silver. There is often a high demand for these vintage timepieces, and there is always an element of rarity to them as well.

Among watch connoisseurs, Cartier watches have been seen as premium, collectible items over the past century, and that trend doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

Ever since its humble beginnings, Cartier has guaranteed the use of only the highest-quality metals. They also utilize the latest technology and offer the ultimate precision for a watch.

Find the Perfect Cartier

That’s everything you need to know to answer the question, “How much is a Cartier?” Although the answer ranges quite a bit, just about any Cartier piece is of the highest quality and is worth quite a lot.

If you’re looking for the perfect Cartier to add to your collection, look no further. Check out our luxury timepieces today!