"A man should never leave the house without a watch," Jacob Abraham famously said. However, since Cartier revolutionized the world of horology over a century ago, watches have become a must-have accessory not just for gentlemen but also for fashion-forward ladies. The world's most voguish women — from Princess Diana to First Ladies Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama — have turned Cartier timepieces into timeless symbols of elegance and style.
So, ladies and gentlemen, as Cartier watches have become indispensable for all discerning minds, these are the 10 most iconic Cartier watches of all time.
1. Cartier Tank
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
The Cartier Tank stands alone in the annals of timepiece history. Dreamed up by Louis Cartier during the WWI era, its design takes cues from the stark lines of battlefield tanks, specifically the Renault FT-17 tanks used on the Western Front. Cartier famously presented the first model to General John J. Pershing, a key figure in the American Expeditionary Force.
Over the years, Cartier has expanded the Tank lineup with notable editions, releasing standout variations like the Tank Louis (1922), the Tank Americaine (1989), and the Tank Française (1996).
With its distinctive flat vertical sides and striking sapphire cabochon, the original Cartier Tank remains a symbol of subtle luxury that has graced the wrists of influential and legendary figures in history. So many icons have favored the Tank that it's hard to list them all, but some of the most notable include Princess Diana, Yves Saint Laurent, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Kennedy, Steve McQueen, and Kanye West.
2. Ballon Bleu de Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
Launched in 2007, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier marked a period of bold experimentation for Cartier. Resembling a balloon and as blue as the cabochon tucked safely on its side, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a must-have for those who crave an out-of-the-ordinary timepiece.
The watch’s doubly convex shape expertly balances lines and volume. The design ensures seamless contours as the domed sapphire crystal crown melds flawlessly into the case, protected under a metal arch at three o'clock, safeguarding the blue bubble.
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier seamlessly harmonizes with its wearer and environments, enhancing both men's and women's wrists with a graceful, floating elegance.
3. Santos de Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
The Santos watch stands out as a self-defined classic, originally created by Louis Cartier in 1904 to assist aviators in timing their flights. Over the years, this trailblazing timepiece has evolved into an icon characterized by its elegantly curved horns, geometric dial, and distinctive exposed screws.
Its historic status in the world of watchmaking has made it a top choice for those who admire Cartier’s timeless aesthetic. The Santos has graced the wrists of countless cultural icons throughout history, including Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) in Wall Street (1987), Lou Reed, Jerry Seinfeld, Rami Malek, Adrien Brody, Mahershala Ali, and Daniel Kaluuya, among others.
4. Cartier Tortue
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
Adding to Cartier's roster of iconic watches is the Cartier Tortue, a testament to the innovative spirit of designer Louis Cartier. Imagined in 1912, the Tortue watch features a tortoise-inspired shape — a radical departure from the conventional round watches of the time. Unsurprisingly, this pioneering design quickly ascended to iconic status.
The Cartier Tortue showcases the brand's deep appreciation for originality and flawless craftsmanship, providing a masterpiece for both men and women with styles ranging from classic gold to fully diamond-paved designs.
5. Panthère de Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
For every wild spirit out there, the Panthère de Cartier watch is your definitive accessory. Cartier’s iconic feline pattern first appeared in 1914 on a ladies’ wristwatch, crafted with onyx and diamonds, and it has since roared its way into many other show-stopping timepieces. As both a watch and statement jewelry, the Panthère de Cartier encapsulates the Maison’s rich heritage in its lavish adornments of gold, diamonds, and exquisite gemstones.
Since its first appearance over a century ago, the panther has been Cartier's beloved emblematic animal, an untamable force that has endlessly inspired the Maison's creativity. Today, it continues to be a source of infinite inspiration for Cartier's designers, with its magnetic aura beautifully reflected in those who sport its daring and iconic image. Through decades of artistic evolution, this beloved feline constantly reinvented itself across numerous breathtaking jewelry and watches.
The Panthère de Cartier watch is meant for fearless women who naturally capture the spotlight and bring a free-spirited charm to every room they enter. Match it with the complete line of Cartier's panther jewels for a look that never fades into the background.
6. Clé de Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
The Clé de Cartier, while seemingly simple, is a true Cartier masterpiece in every sense. The creation of the Clé de Cartier was a pursuit to redefine simplicity and elegance derived entirely from a perfect circle.
It might seem like a straightforward task at first, but it’s anything but. Luckily, Cartier rose to the challenge and delivered a timepiece truly worth the investment. With designs that boast soft curves, pristine lines, and unique profiles, the Clé de Cartier watch offers a refined aesthetic that catches the eye without overpowering.
The Clé collection, named after the French word for 'key,' further solidifies Cartier's status at the summit of luxury watchmaking. Every piece within the line is perfected to its purest form, embodying Cartier's signature balance, precision, and proportion.
7. Cartier Baignoire
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
The Cartier Baignoire immediately catches the eye as an ultra-unique watch. This one-of-a-kind timepiece first made its mark in 1958 as the Ovale cintré watch and was christened in 1973 with the name of Baignoire.
The watch is beautifully distinguished by its domed crystal and Roman numeral dial, making it a standout piece for those who appreciate exclusivity. The flawless lines, precise form, and exact proportions are so impeccable that it's often worn as jewelry, sought-after for its timeless French chic.
8. Drive de Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
Drive de Cartier collection masterfully combines modern design elements with echoes of vintage automobile aesthetics, resulting in a sophisticated timepiece ideal for the style-conscious modern man.
With its polished cushion-shaped case and sleek lines, the Drive watch caters to those who prefer their elegance understated — a quality Cartier has consistently perfected in many of its watch collections.
The Drive has earned its place as a go-to daily accessory, delivering sporty elegance that transitions smoothly from formal events to everyday casual outings.
9. Pasha De Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
Since its debut in 1985, the Pasha de Cartier has been a prominent feature in the Cartier collection, continually enchanting both men and women with its unique blend of originality and striking presence.
The Pasha is tailor-made for the extrovert (apologies to the introverts!) who thrives on capturing attention and radiating a bold, unmatched aura. The unisex design of the Pasha series resonates with those who have grand visions and wild dreams. This luxurious watch boasts a distinguished character that moves beyond conventional limitations, inviting its owners into a world where boundaries are redefined.
10. Ronde de Cartier
(Photo courtesy of Cartier)
For those enchanted by the legendary style of Louis Cartier, the Ronde de Cartier watch embodies this heritage with its elegant blue sword-shaped hands, Roman numerals, and a striking sapphire cabochon.
The winding mechanism, embellished with a rail-track minute circle, establishes this timepiece as a quintessential Cartier classic — a timeless staple in any watch arsenal.
These fool-proof, unisex watches seamlessly complement any attire with a touch of sophistication, making them the go-to choice you instinctively reach for on any occasion.
Why Go Cartier?
Like bread and butter, Princess Diana and Cartier watches were an iconic pairing. (Photo courtesy of Tatler via Pinterest)
Choosing Cartier means committing to a lifestyle of elegance and craftsmanship. Originating in the tumultuous period of the 1847 French Revolution, Cartier has developed a name synonymous with luxury and high status.
The Maison’s limited-production watches have been highly prized worldwide since they started keeping time — whether adorned with diamonds, crafted from gold and steel, or featuring a sleek steel design — each timepiece is a bold declaration of historical significance and refined taste.
At Cartier, the focus on quality optimization governs the entire production process. From the outset, each component and material is rigorously checked, reflecting the brand’s strict sourcing standards that start in the development phase and extend through to production.
How Cartier watches are made: the perfect line | Cartier Savoir-Faire
Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Cartier achieves an extraordinary precision level of almost 1/100 millimeters, guaranteeing both the reliability and superior performance of their watches. Their renowned savoir-faire enables the harmonious combination of polished and satin-brushed surfaces on the same timepiece, preserving the clean, striking lines that define its design.
Polishing a watch can entail up to two hours of manual labor. Specifically, achieving the satin-polish finish of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch necessitates over 50 meticulous operations.
In the final stages, assembling Cartier's watch components requires expert dexterity to ensure the quality is preserved and the detailed production process is respected. Post-assembly, every watch is subjected to thorough individual testing, focusing on precise measurements of timekeeping and water resistance.
These foolproof steps ensure that a worn-out Cartier watch is never a concern. The watches’ enduring quality can be seen in poignant family heirlooms: after their mother's passing, Prince William and Prince Harry were given the choice of her possessions, with Prince William choosing to preserve her gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch — a cherished artifact of both personal and material value.
Buying a new Cartier watch is undoubtedly a splendid choice, but opting for a second-hand (aka pre-loved) one is a smart shortcut to luxury. ZenLuxe offers a massive, expertly curated selection of pre-loved Cartier watches, allowing you to acquire the same legendary timepieces in stellar condition but at only a fraction of the original cost.
Simply shop for your reasonably priced Cartier item, and it will be elegantly packaged and conveniently delivered straight to your doorstep — a prime example of working smarter, not harder!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
