Cartier Watches – The Brand for the Elite
Events like the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, gather prestigious watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard, and Vacheron Constantin. For watch enthusiasts, Cartier stands out as a focal point, showcasing unique and sophisticated products.
For watch aficionados, each Cartier watch is not just a product but a work of art, meticulously crafted and perfected in every detail. The combination of aesthetics and premium quality has made Cartier a symbol of power and refined taste.
However, those new to the Cartier brand may harbor doubts about the origins and the high prices of these watches. Let’s clarify these concerns in the following sections.
1. Where Are Cartier Watches Made?
Cartier, a symbol of luxury and fashion, traces its origins back to France. The brand was founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847 and has since experienced remarkable growth.
Initially a small brand, Cartier quickly became a global symbol after Louis-François’s son, Alfred Cartier, took over the company in 1874. This succession marked significant breakthroughs and development for Cartier, with support from Alfred’s three sons: Louis, Pierre, and Jacques.
Today, Cartier is part of the French Richemont Group, which owns several luxury brands. The brand has made significant strides in watchmaking history, such as collaborating with Edward Jaeger to produce exclusive movements for Cartier in 1920.
Cartier’s excellence in craftsmanship earned it royal recognition, with King Edward VII of the United Kingdom famously referring to the brand as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.” Today, Cartier operates 200 stores across 125 countries, achieving sales of up to $6.2 billion, with the company valued at approximately $12 billion according to Forbes.
2. How Much Do Cartier Watches Cost?
The price of Cartier watches typically ranges from around 80 million VND to several billion VND, depending on the materials and technologies used in their creation. The higher-end models often feature large natural diamonds, precious stones, white gold, or advanced mechanical movements. Additionally, intricate and handcrafted details contribute to the higher prices.
Cartier is known for maintaining its value on the market. Most Cartier products not only retain their initial purchase value but also have the potential to appreciate over time. The resale process is also made easier due to the growing demand for luxury pre-owned watches in recent years.
Recently, a limited edition 18-carat gold Cartier Crash watch produced in 1967 was sold for up to $1.65 million at an auction. Despite being over half a century old, the product was still rated as being in “excellent” condition, proving that Cartier’s value only increases over time.
3. Are Cartier Watches Good?
In terms of quality, Cartier is committed to meticulously developing its watch movements. All movements are tested and inspected in laboratories to ensure accuracy and stable performance. Cartier is also known for its exceptional movements, such as the 1847 MC, 1917 MC, and the Skeleton line. The materials used in crafting Cartier watches, including diamonds, white gold, solid gold, and precious stones, are carefully selected to ensure durability and resistance to aging. Additionally, Cartier strictly adheres to Swiss regulations and standards throughout the production process, from assembly to finishing and inspection. Therefore, Cartier watches are often labeled “Swiss Made,” affirming the product’s origins and superior quality.
Highlighting Cartier’s Renowned Movements:
- 1847 MC: A slim mechanical movement, only 3.8 mm thick, often used in thin and elegant watch lines. It features strong anti-magnetic protection for exceptional accuracy.
- 1917 MC: A super-thin mechanical movement (under 3 mm) with a high-end Côtes de Genève finish. It presents a significant manufacturing challenge and demonstrates Cartier’s leading creativity.
- Skeleton: Introduced in 1930, this showcases Cartier’s superior aesthetic sense and is one of the first Skeleton movements in the wristwatch industry. A patent was granted shortly thereafter.
Luxurious and Super-Durable Materials
The casing of an authentic Cartier watch is both sturdy and elegant, using materials with “absolute hardness on the Mohs scale” such as diamonds.
White gold, solid gold, and precious stones are also frequently found on Cartier watches. All these materials resist the aging effects of time.
The strap and other components are crafted from stainless steel, genuine leather, etc. The basic water resistance feature is sufficient for daily activities like washing hands and showering.
Cartier Watches Are Swiss Made
Although a French brand, Cartier’s watches are assembled and strictly comply with Swiss regulations in watchmaking, so they carry the “Swiss Made” label similar to other luxury brands like Franck Muller, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, and Chopard.
The “Swiss Made” label signifies:
- Over 60% of the assembly cost is conducted in Switzerland.
- The movement is produced and supplied by a Swiss factory.
- The final finishing and inspection process is performed in Switzerland.
TOP 5 Best-Selling Authentic Cartier Watch Collections
Below are the top 5 best-selling authentic Cartier watch collections:
- Ballon Bleu De Cartier: Launched in 2007, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier collection is characterized by its convex round shape and unique blue sapphire crown. With 112 different models, prices range from about 140 million to over 3 billion VND.
- Santos de Cartier: Inspired by the airplane inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont, this collection was introduced in 1900. Santos de Cartier features a square face, square bezel, and visible screws on the square frame, creating a sporty yet elegant style. Prices range from mid to high-end, suitable for a wide range of customers.
- Drive De Cartier: Designed for both men and women, the Drive De Cartier collection offers various versions, from Quartz movements to high-end Flying Tourbillon models. The models in this collection have a simple, elegant design and are fashion-forward.
- Pasha De Cartier: Originally launched in 1985 and reintroduced in 2020, Pasha De Cartier is one of the most beloved collections. With a unique crown cap design and water resistance up to 100 meters, Pasha De Cartier is suitable for both sports and everyday activities.
- Ronde De Cartier: With a refined and discreet design, the Ronde De Cartier collection features moderate thickness and a steel case, making it ideal for gentlemen. With a dial representing 24-hour markers, Ronde De Cartier adds professionalism and sophistication to the wearer.
To purchase authentic Cartier watches, you can visit reputable locations with years of experience in distributing watches from many renowned brands, ensuring authenticity and quality.