Any love for Cartier out there?

styggpyggeno1 · Nov 20, 2023

I got this one, full set, for my wife two years ago. It is a 38mm from 1997-98. Today this model is offered in 36 and 40.
I gambled a bit as her taste is somewhat difficult to foresee. But as I found it quite quirky-nice myself I reckoned I could use it if she did not.

She does... unfortunately or fortunately depending on... She has a nice vintage Datejust and an Omega 2252.50.00 (black auto 36mm "2254") but this Cartier Pasha is her favourite.

Here in Sweden Cartier has gained popularity in the WIS world. Is there something similar going on in the rest of the watch world?

ecarpino · Nov 20, 2023

Personally, I really like this model and reference with the bracelet. It is also the older version with tritium which adds a nice touch 😀 the only thing I don’t like is the date, it would have been a much cleaner dial without it..

Cartier in general is getting a lot of popularity with many vintage models at the moment. The one you bought for your wife is still a bit under the radar (I’ve seen some being sold very quickly but still underpriced in my opinion), but I wouldn’t be surprised if it gained a lot of popularity in the next months/years.

Duracuir1 · Nov 20, 2023

I do need to take a closer look at Cartier. But likely cannot afford any of their watches.

Old binoculars from a garage sale.

NGO1 · Nov 20, 2023

Two years waiting for this weird thing. still waiting…

jsducote · Nov 21, 2023

The Santos (in its various permutations) remains very popular, but I can't remember the last time I saw a pre-owned example that wasn't scratched all to hell, leading me to believe they use relatively softer metals (at least on the bezel) than most brands. If I was shopping for a Cartier, I'd lean towards a Ronde or a Ballon Bleu.

TheGreekPhysique · Nov 21, 2023

I am a big fan myself. My grail right now is a london tank from the 60s in "mens" size. I am also a fan of the Santos, though, I think the first iteration of it was the best. I call it a baby royal oak. Here is my french tank and santos carree.

styggpyggeno1 · Nov 21, 2023

ecarpino
Personally, I really like this model and reference with the bracelet. It is also the older version with tritium which adds a nice touch 😀 the only thing I don’t like is the date, it would have been a much cleaner dial without it..

Cartier in general is getting a lot of popularity with many vintage models at the moment. The one you bought for your wife is still a bit under the radar (I’ve seen some being sold very quickly but still underpriced in my opinion), but I wouldn’t be surprised if it gained a lot of popularity in the next months/years.

I totally agree on the date. Also on the "under the radar" - and I did take advantage of "still underpriced" when I bought it locally at auction for what I consider a really low sum (even for these). As stated elswhere here on OF I only buy watches I like (and in this case what I thought my wife would like) - investment thoughts has never been a trigger for me. Having this modus operandi - worst case is that you have bought a watch that you like...

The buy included:

There is actally a small magnifying glass inserted in the dial for the date. edit - another thing that is difficult to capture in photo is that the hands are blued.

timjohn · Nov 21, 2023

I was talking to Toby Sutton of Watches of Knightsbridge 18 months ago, and even then he said that Cartier prices were going mental. I managed to snag this

before they moved out of reach....

ecarpino · Nov 24, 2023

TheGreekPhysique
I am a big fan myself. My grail right now is a london tank from the 60s in "mens" size. I am also a fan of the Santos, though, I think the first iteration of it was the best. I call it a baby royal oak. Here is my french tank and santos carree.

Love that Carrée, sharp and scratched, as they should be 😉

Mine is still with Cartier for service, I only have an older picture.. do you have all the papers as well?

Geezer · Nov 24, 2023

I used to own a Tank Basculante before it became popular... 😀 Lovely watch and beautifully made.

I bought this Santos Dumont with black lacquered case earlier this year:

padders · Nov 24, 2023

My Cartier and its JLC distant cousin:

TheGreekPhysique · Nov 24, 2023

ecarpino
Love that Carrée, sharp and scratched, as they should be 😉

Mine is still with Cartier for service, I only have an older picture.. do you have all the papers as well?

I had purchased mine watch only. They are difficult to find unpolished especially with the bracelet as well but I think its worth it. Once this model is polished and loses its original finishing the true character of the watch is lost. It's also much more difficult to have the bracelet and case refinished to original factory specs than something like a vintage sub.

AEC · Dec 22, 2023

It'll soon be one year with my Tank Must XL Auto, and I'm finding it a better watch than I expected. The caliber 1847MC runs really well and operations with the crown are crisp and precise. For some reason I didn't expect it to be this good of a watch! The rich, glossy black numerals are gorgeous against the silvered dial and the blued hands glint in the sunlight just so 👍

Thanks for viewing!

savka · Dec 22, 2023

I’ve had my eye on a piano dial tank for awhile… if anyone had one, let me know! (Photo from Google)

Dan S · Dec 22, 2023

I've never paid much attention to Cartier, but that SS Carrée is good looking.

Canuck · Dec 22, 2023

Used to work for a Cartier dealer. Back then their watches had a”lifetime” warranty. I later found out the “lifetime” warranty cover ONLY the mainspring, and nothing else! Colossal rip-off!

florian0079 · Mar 11, 2024

Canuck
Used to work for a Cartier dealer. Back then their watches had a”lifetime” warranty. I later found out the “lifetime” warranty cover ONLY the mainspring, and nothing else! Colossal rip-off!

Lol! Is that for real?
Always wondered about the ads in magazines having that little line of copy about life time warranty...

florian0079 · Mar 11, 2024

I most certainly have a lot of love for Cartier. Might be my favourite watch/luxury brand as a whole, even if i actually only like a small part of their catalogue.

Here is one of my latest little projects. Found gold plated bracelets from a long defunct French maker that have a certain Cartier vibe.
Had the lugs cut down to 17mm and combine them with both my Tank LC and Must de Tanks. This particular example reminds me of the Tank Française bracelet, merging the two styles.
Not sure i like it enough long term, though nothing beats trying, right?

Syrte · Mar 11, 2024

Hi dear J.,

Cartier seemed to be off the radar for watch geeks,
And then this happened.
https://www.gq.com/story/watches-of-the-week-10-9-21

And then suddenly vintage Cartiers were all over Instagram, on dealers and collectors pages etc.

I had always told myself I would want one of those classic ladies quartz Cartier some day, but that would probably mean I’ve gone back to being a normal « just one watch » person.
Those are supremely elegant, timeless and practical watches which are meant to be worn everyday, IMHO.

So a perfect present for a wife, really glad yours liked it 👍

Rman · Mar 11, 2024

I must confess I bought a carree a couple years ago, a 2960 and still think it’s one of the best values in the neo-vintage realm. Wears beautifully