The 10 Most Popular Cartier Watches
Written By: Vahid Moradi
From the moment you open its signature red and gold box, a Cartier watch surprises and delights the senses. From the gentle click of the front button to the feeling of cool metal against your skin, the entire experience of owning the best Cartier watch for ladies and men is captivating.
Even if you buy pre-owned Cartier, that sentiment remains. A Cartier watch is more than a timepiece: it’s a statement, a precision-crafted instrument.
With hundreds of models and a legacy spanning over a century, choosing the right watch is a long journey through rose gold and diamonds, steel bands, and alligator-skin straps. Change this to there are many collectible Cartier models that are extremely sought after or something like that.
As a Cartier authorized dealer, join us as we explore this list: the top 10 Cartier watches for men and women.
A Note on “Gendered” Watches
Though Cartier splits their offerings into “Men’s” and “Women’s” watches, the timepieces are, in many ways, completely unisex. The subdued, elegant shape of a Cartier watch suits any wrist—it’s one of the finest virtues of the brand.
The main differences between Cartier’s Men’s and Women’s watches are the materials and colors used, which means anyone can theoretically wear any style of Cartier watch. With that said, to keep with company classifications, we’ll divide this list of the most popular Cartier watches by gender.
The Best Cartier Watches for Women
A woman deserves to wear a timepiece as remarkable as she is; a Cartier watch fits the bill.
With so many magnificent women’s watches, narrowing it down to the most popular options is a challenge—but these are our top five. Whether you’re shopping for your wife, your best friend, or even yourself, these Cartier watches are sure to delight any woman.
1. The Tank Must
Timeless. Tasteful. Refined. These are all statements that describe the Cartier Tank—and yet no amount of words can adequately portray its legacy. The original Tank was born in 1917; since then, it has graced the wrists of some of the most influential women of our time, including Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis Kennedy, and Angelina Jolie.
The Cartier Tank comes in a variety of sizes and materials, with straps designed to suit any style.
2. The Clé de Cartier
Cartier has always embraced its roots while looking forward, and nothing speaks to this more than the Clé de Cartier. Released in 2015, the Clé de Cartier collection features delicate curves and clean lines that culminate in a perfectly proportioned timepiece.
With a flinqué sunray dial enclosed in stainless steel and sapphire crystal, the Clé de Cartier WSCL0017 has quickly become an all-time favorite. The Bordeaux alligator strap is tastefully chic, contrasting brilliantly with the blued steel of the sword-shaped hands and Roman numerals.
For an adventurous luxury timepiece, there’s nothing quite like the Clé de Cartier collection.
3. The Ballon Bleu de Cartier
A masterclass in bold elegance, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a relatively modern entry in Cartier’s catalog. First released in 2007, the timepiece has become synonymous with grandeur—followers of the Royal Family may have spotted a silver Ballon Bleu adorning Kate Middleton’s wrist.
The Ballon Bleu’s association with royalty and its iconic encased crown have made it a popular choice among connoisseurs. In particular, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier W3BB0025 dazzles, all 53 brilliant-cut diamonds sparkling alongside pink gold and steel.
Available in countless styles and variations, the Ballon Bleu (and its sister, the diamond-crowned Ballon Blanc) is a show-stopper.
4. The Mini Baignoire
Named after the French term for “bathtub,” the Baignoire’s oval case evokes a soothing dip in a marble basin—refreshing, graceful, and luxurious. Although Louis Cartier first designed the shape in 1906, it wouldn’t be released as the Cartier Baignoire until 1956.
Over the next 60 years, the Baignoire would cement itself as one of the most sophisticated watches of all time. The Mini Baignoire Watch W8000017 is a perfect example: the earthy brown alligator leather strap joins the 18K rose gold case in pure harmony.
Cartier’s Baignoire watches come adorned with a variety of bracelets and jewel-encrusted bezels.
5. The Panthère de Cartier
As majestic as its jungle cat namesake, the Panthère de Cartier exists at the intersection of delicate and daring. The collection was launched in 1984 and discontinued 20 years later, at which point Panthères became some of the most sought-after timepieces on the market.
After a successful relaunch in 2017, the Panthère de Cartier is enjoying a renaissance. One of the most popular models is the sleek Panthère de Cartier MM WJPN0016. With a diamond-studded bezel and crown, this 18K yellow gold watch can be dressed up or worn at casual events—its versatility is as boundless as its charm.
All Panthère de Cartier watches feature metal bracelets and the iconic blued-steel hands.
The Best Cartier Watches for Men
They say that clothes don’t make the man. But what about wristwatches? These five best-selling Cartier Men’s watches make a compelling argument.
1. The Santos de Cartier
When searching for the best Cartier watch for men, it’s hard to ignore the timelessness of the Santos de Cartier. Louis Cartier designed the first Santos-style watch in the early 20th century for Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont. It was meant to be a stylish way to check the time while on the move; over a century later, the Santos de Cartier continues to fulfill this purpose.
One of the best-selling Santos timepieces is the Santos de Cartier LM Watch WSSA0039—a slick, updated timepiece for the modern man. The silk-smooth all-black construction is rugged yet sophisticated, complete with a steel and ADLC case and a black alligator leather strap.
The Santos collection is as varied as the men who choose to sport it.
2. The Ronde Solo de Cartier
The round silhouette is one of the most enduring features of the wristwatch, and the Ronde de Cartier is a case in point. As you trace the smooth curves of the bezel, you’ll wonder how any other watch shape could ever compare.
In 2009, Cartier released the Ronde Solo, a pared-back version of the world-famous Ronde. For one of the best-sellers, look no further than the Ronde Solo de Cartier XL W6701011. The large face displays ornate Roman numerals, sapphire-blue hands, and a calendar aperture.
The full Ronde de Cartier collection presents other astonishing case and strap materials.
3. The Tank Américaine
The Cartier Tank has been worn by many of the greatest men of the past 100 years, including Duke Ellington, Clarke Gable, Truman Capote, and Muhammed Ali—to name a few.
Though there are countless styles of the Cartier Tank, the Tank Américaine stands out as one of the best watches for men. In particular, the large-model Tank Américaine W2609156 shines with a powerful elegance, at once angled and rounded, brown alligator-skin strap flowing seamlessly into a rose gold case.
Like the men who don it, the Cartier Tank Américaine is ready for any situation.
4. The Pasha de Cartier
With the Pasha de Cartier, the Swiss watch-makers moved into the realm of the sporty—without losing any of the class for which they’re renowned. Initially designed for swimming, the Pasha was one of the world’s first waterproof timepieces.
The Pasha de Cartier WSPA0018 is the pinnacle of this athletic-meets-chic style. It’s brawny but not bulky; detailed without feeling cluttered. With three synthetic spinels set atop a stainless steel case, this Pasha de Cartier seeks—and deserves—unbounded attention.
The remainder of the Pasha de Cartier collection features an unmarked bezel and a simplified dial for more of a refined look.
5. The Ballon Bleu de Cartier
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier—named for the “blue ball” nestled within the case—has become a modern classic for men and women alike. These watches are truly unique pieces of art that blend Cartier’s storied past with the future of watchmaking.
For men, the Ballon Bleu W69016Z4 and its two-tiered 42mm bezel is a best-seller. As blued-steel hands glide by, the guilloché spirals out to meet the grand Roman numerals; it’s the kind of pure bliss that only Cartier can achieve.
The entire Ballon Bleu de Cartier collection radiates a level of class fit for a king.
CJ Charles Jewelers: The Best Place to Buy Your Cartier Watch
Whenever you plan to buy a Cartier watch, be sure to shop only with authorized dealers who can guarantee its authenticity. Working with a trusted jeweler is especially important if you’re unsure about how to tell a genuine Cartier watch from a fake.
For an impressive selection of new and pre-owned Cartier watches such as the Tank Louis Cartier, visit CJ Charles Jewelers. Since 1986, we’ve shared our passion for timepieces with the San Diego area and beyond.
With fully-insured nationwide shipping, you can purchase your next timepiece from the comfort of your own home, worry-free. If you have any questions, get in touch with us today—we’ll be happy to help.
Written By: Vahid Morai
Vahid Moradi’s lifelong passion, dedication, and commitment for the jewelry industry led him to become the respected owner of CJ Charles Jewelers in 1988. From that moment, Moradi’s single focus in business was to become recognized as the pinnacle of value and world-class quality in the his Community. Over 34 years later, CJ Charles continues to grow and thrive as a successful, family-owned business that consistently provides exceptional service to all their clientele.
Sources:
- Women’s Wear Daily. Relaunch of a Classic: Cartier to Unveil New Panthere Watch. https://wwd.com/accessories-news/watches/cartier-to-relaunch-panthere-watch-10749879/
- How the Santos de Cartier became the original pilot's watch. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-the-santos-de-cartier-became-the-original-pilots-watch