Cartier, a Brand on the Rise: History and Watch Valuation

Cartier, indisputably the king of high jewelry, owes its reputation to the quality of its pieces and their exquisite design. Sophisticated and stunning, this brand, which dates back to 1847, was also a pioneer in the design of its watch cases. Over time, these have become highly coveted by collectors in the world of vintage watchmaking. It’s impossible to ignore the significant impact Cartier’s designs have had on how we view watches, jewelry, and accessories today.

One of the most prominent European branches in terms of creativity was the London headquarters on New Bond Street. This location became the epicenter of great iconic and fantastical designs, creations that have transformed into symbols of elegance and aesthetic savoir-faire. They stood out not only for their aesthetic work but also for becoming a unique workshop where craftsmanship and grand ideas came together to offer unparalleled service.

Cartier London innovated by designing, producing, and selling watches in a single establishment, allowing for remarkable independence and self-sufficiency. The main difference between Cartier’s international locations lay in their artisans: while New York primarily used French artisans, London trained English jewelers and watchmakers in the “Cartier style,” allowing them to work more independently and create some of the most exclusive and innovative designs.

Jacques Cartier, at the age of 22, took control of Cartier London, leveraging his remarkable creative skills. Three years later, he moved the store to its current location at 175-177 New Bond Street. On the upper floors of the building were workshops that began producing exclusive “Cartier London” jewelry. During this time, wristwatches were in an embryonic phase. Louis, Jacques’ older brother, had designed the Alberto Santos-Dumont watch just a few years earlier, and the Cartier Tank was yet to be sketched.

In its early years, the London workshop focused mainly on high jewelry, taking on custom orders. Following the death of King Edward VII in 1910, Cartier London became the official supplier for two royal coronations, creating significant tiaras and other jewelry in its first decade of operation.

Cartier London was undoubtedly the richest branch in terms of design and artistic creation. The watches produced during those years are, to this day, the most sought-after models in the international vintage watch collecting market.

If you own a Cartier watch and are considering selling it, now is the perfect time. Selling a Cartier can be a lucrative decision due to the high value of these watches in the collector’s market. Properly valuing your Cartier is crucial to obtaining the best possible price.

At Ancienne, we specialize in the valuation and purchase of Cartier watches. Our team of experts will help you determine the exact value of your watch, ensuring a quick and secure sale.