Skip to main content

Cartier Ladies Tank

Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s
Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s

Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2078 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis SM Reference 78087 Year 1970s Dial White and Paris Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 21mm x 28mm Length N/A Movement ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch

Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank Française 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Française 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Française 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

This refined Cartier Tank Française timepiece, perfectly embodies the timeless sophistication of the legendary French maison. Crafted entirely in luxurious 18k yellow gold, the watch...

Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise W51011Q3 Midsize Steel Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise W51011Q3 Midsize Steel Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise W51011Q3 Midsize Steel Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Ladies Watch - Model W51011Q3 This elegant watch features a quartz movement and a rectangular stainless steel case measuring 25.0 x 30.0 mm.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Tank Americaine Ladies Mini Rose Gold Watch WGTA0132
Cartier Tank Americaine Ladies Mini Rose Gold Watch WGTA0132

Cartier Tank Americaine Ladies Mini Rose Gold Watch WGTA0132

By Cartier

Located in Dallas, TX

Cartier Tank Americaine Ladies Mini Rose Gold Watch WGTA0132 - Quartz movement.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Francaise Diamond Stainless Steel Quartz Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise Diamond Stainless Steel Quartz Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise Diamond Stainless Steel Quartz Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

This exquisite Cartier Tank Francaise timepiece, reference 2465, is a testament to the Maison's iconic blend of geometric precision and refined elegance.

Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Americaine W26015K2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Americaine W26015K2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Americaine W26015K2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The Cartier Tank Americaine W26015K2 / 2482 Ladies Watch features a 19mm 18K yellow gold case with an elegant ivory dial accented by blue hands and black Roman numeral hour markers.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier 18K White Gold Tank Divan Diamond Ladies Watch
Cartier 18K White Gold Tank Divan Diamond Ladies Watch

Cartier 18K White Gold Tank Divan Diamond Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

An exceptionally refined Cartier Tank wristwatch, reference 2786, showcasing the maison’s iconic rectangular design reimagined with bold evening elegance. Crafted in luxurious 18K wh...

Category

20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Tank Americaine Small Size Ladies' Wristwatch in White Gold
Cartier Tank Americaine Small Size Ladies' Wristwatch in White Gold

Cartier Tank Americaine Small Size Ladies' Wristwatch in White Gold

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A magnificent wristwatch created by Cartier from the Tank Americaine collection, featuring a diamond encrusted bezel and a crown accented by a diamond. Finely made with 18K white gol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Raspberry Dial Quartz Ladies Watch W51030Q3
Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Raspberry Dial Quartz Ladies Watch W51030Q3

Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Raspberry Dial Quartz Ladies Watch W51030Q3

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in excellent conditon. Rare Raspberry Dial. Wrist size 5.75 inches. No original box and papers, comes with chronostore box. General Information Brand: Cartier Model: Tan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Plaque Ladies Classic Tank Style Watch circa 1970's with
Cartier Plaque Ladies Classic Tank Style Watch circa 1970's with

Cartier Plaque Ladies Classic Tank Style Watch circa 1970's with

By Cartier

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Plaque CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm "Lug Tip to Lug Tip" X Width 21mm MOVEMENT / CALI...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank 2489 Diamond Bezel 18-Karat Ladies Watch In Stock
Cartier Tank 2489 Diamond Bezel 18-Karat Ladies Watch In Stock

Cartier Tank 2489 Diamond Bezel 18-Karat Ladies Watch In Stock

By Cartier

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Cartier Tank 2489 18k White Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch Brand: Cartier MPN: 2489 Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Size: Cartier Small, 19 x 35 mm Dial: Silver Dial with Roman ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Ladies Wrist Watch with Pink Pearl Dial
Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Ladies Wrist Watch with Pink Pearl Dial

Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Ladies Wrist Watch with Pink Pearl Dial

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2018 Cartier reference 2384 Ladies Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wrist Watch, 25 X 20 MM Water Resistant Case, Quartz Movement, Scratch Resistant Crystal, Pink Spinel Crown, P...

Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch #2465
Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch #2465

Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch #2465

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch 25mm x 30mm #2465 Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch.

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Basculante WA202251 Ladies Diamond 18k YG 2007 Box and Papers
Cartier Tank Basculante WA202251 Ladies Diamond 18k YG 2007 Box and Papers

Cartier Tank Basculante WA202251 Ladies Diamond 18k YG 2007 Box and Papers

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Cartier Tank Basculante WA202251 Ladies Diamond 18k Yellow Gold SKU 1385 An exquisite and rarely seen example of Cartier’s ingenious reversible watch design — the Tank Basculante r...

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Divan NOS Rose Gold Diamond Set
Cartier Tank Divan NOS Rose Gold Diamond Set

Cartier Tank Divan NOS Rose Gold Diamond Set

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Cartier Tank Divan for ladies crafted in rose gold.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise W51030Q3 Raspberry Rose Dial Christmas Edition Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise W51030Q3 Raspberry Rose Dial Christmas Edition Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise W51030Q3 Raspberry Rose Dial Christmas Edition Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Product Specifications: Item Type: Limited Edition Ladies Luxury Quartz Watch Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Française — Christmas Limited Edition Reference: W51030Q3 Circa: 2006 Case Ma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Spinel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch
Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch

Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Details: • Item Type: Ladies Watch • Brand: Cartier • Model: Tank Américaine • Movement: Quartz • Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold • Bracelet Material: 18K Yellow Gold • Closure...

Category

1990s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise Large Model Custom Diamonds on Sides Steel Watch W51002Q3
Cartier Tank Francaise Large Model Custom Diamonds on Sides Steel Watch W51002Q3

Cartier Tank Francaise Large Model Custom Diamonds on Sides Steel Watch W51002Q3

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Tank Francaise Large Model Custom Diamonds on Sides Steel Watch 32 mm x 28.15 mm W51002Q3 Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch.

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Cartier Ladies Tank Francaise Stainless Steel, circa 2018
Cartier Ladies Tank Francaise Stainless Steel, circa 2018

Cartier Ladies Tank Francaise Stainless Steel, circa 2018

By Cartier

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Cartier Stainless Steel Lady Tank Francaise ref 3217 circa 2018. This virtually brand new Tank features a 20 X 25mm stainless steel case with sapphire crystal and blue sapphire ca...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Française 18 Karat Gold Model W50002N2 Watch
Cartier Tank Française 18 Karat Gold Model W50002N2 Watch

Cartier Tank Française 18 Karat Gold Model W50002N2 Watch

By Cartier

Located in Dallas, TX

Gorgeous 18k gold Cartier ladies Tank Française Model 50002N2 case size 20x25 millimeters.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Ladies Watch. 20mm x 25mmmm Stainless Steel case.

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Ladies Watch. 24 x 30mm Stainless Steel case.

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Must de Ladies Watch, 1990s
Cartier Tank Must de Ladies Watch, 1990s

Cartier Tank Must de Ladies Watch, 1990s

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1990's era Cartier Tank Must de Ladies Watch. 18K Yellow Gold Plated over Sterling Silver example.

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Francaise W51007Q4 Ladies Pre-Owned
Cartier Tank Francaise W51007Q4 Ladies Pre-Owned

Cartier Tank Francaise W51007Q4 Ladies Pre-Owned

By Cartier

Located in Dallas, TX

This beautiful Cartier Tank Francaise features a stainless steel square style case, and a two-tone bracelet made of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. The white dial has black Roma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Americane Mm Ladies 18k; Discontinued, circa 1990s
Cartier Tank Americane Mm Ladies 18k; Discontinued, circa 1990s

Cartier Tank Americane Mm Ladies 18k; Discontinued, circa 1990s

By Cartier

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Introduction: Cartier American Tank, MM Ladies 18K yellow gold watch measuring 20 x 35mm.

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Brand Cartier Model Tank Francaise 2384 Gender Ladies Condition Pre-owned Movement Swiss Quartz Case Material Stainless Steel Bracelet / Strap Material Stainless Steel Clasp / Buc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Brand Cartier Model Tank Francaise 2384 Gender Ladies Condition Pre-owned Movement Swiss Quartz Case Material Stainless Steel Bracelet / Strap Material Stainless Steel Clasp / Buc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Quartz Ladies Watch W51008Q3
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Quartz Ladies Watch W51008Q3

Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Quartz Ladies Watch W51008Q3

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Cartier Band Color: Stainless Steel Gender: Women's Case Size: 23.5mm & Under MPN: Does Not Apply Lug Width: 15mm Features: 12-Hour Dial, Roman Numerals, Sapphire Crystal, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Francaise 2465 VS Diamond Bezel Ladies Quartz Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise 2465 VS Diamond Bezel Ladies Quartz Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise 2465 VS Diamond Bezel Ladies Quartz Watch

Unavailable

H 0.28 in W 0.71 in Dm 0.99 in L 6.5 in

Cartier Tank Francaise 2465 VS Diamond Bezel Ladies Quartz Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Tank Francaise 2465 VS Diamond Bezel Ladies Quartz Watch 25MM

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank S Americaine 2625 White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
Cartier Tank S Americaine 2625 White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch

Cartier Tank S Americaine 2625 White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Tank S Americaine 2625 White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch. 16mm 18K White Gold case with handset Diamonds.

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Americaine quartz wristwatch, circa 1990s
Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Americaine quartz wristwatch, circa 1990s

Cartier Ladies White Gold Tank Americaine quartz wristwatch, circa 1990s

By Cartier

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Classic Cartier lady’s 18K white gold Tank American ref 1713 circa 1990’s. Featuring classic curvex style 20 X 35mm case secured by 4 side screws and 8 caseback screws. With origina...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Tank Basculante 2480 Factory Diamond 18K Gold Ladies Box&Papers
Cartier Tank Basculante 2480 Factory Diamond 18K Gold Ladies Box&Papers

Cartier Tank Basculante 2480 Factory Diamond 18K Gold Ladies Box&Papers

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Tank Basculante 2480 Factory Diamond 18K Gold Ladies 22mm Box&Papers

Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise 2385 W50002N2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise 2385 W50002N2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise 2385 W50002N2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Tank Francaise 2385 W50002N2 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch 20mm

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Divan 18 Karat White Gold Quartz Ladies Watch WA301370
Cartier Tank Divan 18 Karat White Gold Quartz Ladies Watch WA301370

Cartier Tank Divan 18 Karat White Gold Quartz Ladies Watch WA301370

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Cartier Band Color: Black Gender: Women's Case Size: 36-39.5mm MPN: Does Not Apply Lug Width: 28mm Features: 12-Hour Dial, Diamond Bezel, Roman Numerals, Sapphire Crystal, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier 18k White Gold Ladies Tank Americaine Quartz Wrist Watch Ref W2601956
Cartier 18k White Gold Ladies Tank Americaine Quartz Wrist Watch Ref W2601956

Cartier 18k White Gold Ladies Tank Americaine Quartz Wrist Watch Ref W2601956

By Cartier

Located in Dallas, TX

Cartier Tank Americaine Model W2601956 Pre Owned Ladies Quartz Wrist Watch.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Paris Must Sterling Silver Ladies Tank Watch Quartz , Circa 1990's
Cartier Paris Must Sterling Silver Ladies Tank Watch Quartz , Circa 1990's

Cartier Paris Must Sterling Silver Ladies Tank Watch Quartz , Circa 1990's

By Cartier

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Introduction: This Cartier Must Sterling Silver Tank Watch comes with White Dial Blue Roman Numerals; Quartz Movement Small size 21mm X 28mm Women Size. Condition: Silver parts ha...

Category

1990s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2300 Steel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Quartz Watch
Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2300 Steel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Quartz Watch

Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise 2300 Steel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Quartz Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Brand Cartier Model Tank Francaise 2300 Gender Ladies Condition Pre-owned Movement Swiss Quartz Case Material Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet / Strap Material Stainless S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat White Gold Swiss Quartz Ladies Watch W5310023
Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat White Gold Swiss Quartz Ladies Watch W5310023

Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat White Gold Swiss Quartz Ladies Watch W5310023

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Cartier Band Color: White Gold Gender: Women's Case Size: 23.5mm & Under MPN: Does Not Apply Lug Width: 14mm Features: 12-Hour Dial, Gold Bezel, Roman Numerals, Sapphire Cr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Tank Americaine Diamond Case Gorgeous Rare Watch
Cartier Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Tank Americaine Diamond Case Gorgeous Rare Watch

Cartier Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Tank Americaine Diamond Case Gorgeous Rare Watch

By Cartier

Located in Lake Park, FL

This is a gorgeous Cartier ladies 18k yellow gold watch with diamond case and Dial. 18kt yellow gold case with a 18kt yellow gold bracelet. Diamond bezel. Silver dial with sword-sha...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Tank Le Francaise 2403 5.33ctw Diamond 18K White Gold Watch
Cartier Tank Le Francaise 2403 5.33ctw Diamond 18K White Gold Watch

Cartier Tank Le Francaise 2403 5.33ctw Diamond 18K White Gold Watch

By Cartier

Located in Fuquay Varina, NC

Quintessential luxury a ladies Cartier Tank Le Francaise original factory diamond bezel and bracelet pave watch, 2403.

Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Automatic Watch W5310015
Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Automatic Watch W5310015

Cartier Tank Anglaise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Automatic Watch W5310015

By Cartier

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Ladies Cartier Tank Anglaise watch crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with lacquered silver dial.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Tank Francaise Stainless Steel, circa 2000s
Cartier Ladies Tank Francaise Stainless Steel, circa 2000s

Cartier Ladies Tank Francaise Stainless Steel, circa 2000s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Cartier Stainless Steel Lady Tank Francaise ref 2384 circa 2000’s. 20 X 25mm case with sapphire crystal and blue sapphire cabochon crown. Classic antique white dial with Roman numer...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Cartier Ladies Tank", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Cartier Ladies Tank For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact cartier ladies tank you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, steel and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 349 vintage or 835 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect cartier ladies tank among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but versions are of considerable interest. Take a look at a cartier ladies tank featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cabochon and brilliant cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a cartier ladies tank, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Cartier Ladies Tank?

The price for a cartier ladies tank starts at $895 and tops out at $283,500 with these watches, on average, selling for $4,622.

Cartier for sale on 1stDibs

For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.

Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.

Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)

Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.

One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.

Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.

On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.

While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.

Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.