People who wear Cartier do only care about the fashion-side of watches and trends - or not?
Today it just felt right to share a few detail shots of the "chicest" watch in my collection: The Cartier Santos Carrée ref. 2961 from 1990. Since I added this watch to my collection in 2022, Cartier as a brand and the Santos as the most popular model definitely got on a roll! Collectors and enthusiasts shower Cartier with love. And so do I with my Carree 2961. As you can see from the scratches it has, this watch go some serious wrist time. 😬 But, you simply gotta wear this watch to discover its many beautiful details (blued hands, screws, art-deco numerals, sleek design…) 😍 In fact this is the watch I got the most compliments for. That definitely speaks for the positive brand image that Cartier enjoys amongst many people. Cartier is so popular, because the portfolio (especially vintage) is so rich, complex and diverse. Maybe unlike any other top brands. But whilst you cannot deny that in the past years Cartier watches worked their way up to the wishlist of many serious collectors, some watch purists might despise the popularity of Cartier watches as another bad outcome of a fashion-focused and social media-driven watch world - a shallow mainstream trend that will attract many short-time investors and increase prices? And Piaget is next?! What do you think?
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Selling Jewelry & Watch Rolls by day, hunting down Watches on Chrono24 by night. Owner of @sprezzifashion jewelry brand and @pascalwatchstudio on Instagram. Check out my channels & discover my watch r...
I think Cartier was an innovator at the very beginning of wristwatches as a usable tool, a repository of refinement and elegance throughout its long history and is, in fact, haute horology today as evidenced by the Masse Mysterieuse.
It’s been among the top selling brands for many, many years. Hardly a modern trend. As the #2 selling Swiss brand, it is a force to be reckoned with. If you don’t think so, ask Omega how being #3 feels.
As for what the masses choose to buy, well it’s obviously the entry level quartz models. Perhaps it’s for fashion. Maybe cachet. But that’s true of most brands. But if you want original design and in house movements, Cartier has you covered there too.
Thank you for your comment! 🙂 Very interesting to read your profound thoughts. I agree with the fact that calling Cartier a fashion (brand) watch is way too negative and does ignore the fact that Cartier has a rich history with many defining designs. Even though Cartier historically do more come from a design-angle rather than the deep technical-side of watchmaking, they had and still have great impact on the industry. And after the acquisition by Richemont, production of in-house movements became a priority to add value to the brand. Since their first in-house movement introduced in 2009, they do combine rich (design) history with modern tech. Which makes Cartier a very attractive brand, imho.
I think next to Rolex they have the most iconic collection of watches in the collection. You can see the Cartier style from a mile away. I love my pasha
I think next to Rolex they have the most iconic collection of watches in the collection. You can see the Cartier style from a mile away. I love my pasha
True that! They do not play around/copy the design of others. Congrats for your Pacha 🙂
Cartier has great history, when I first started to enjoy the benefits of earning a decent adult’s salary, I started to notice individuals working design, creative professions including chefs who were being recognized as more than just gits who cooked for a living wearing Cartier watches. These were persons who understood design and quality craftsmanship, one late evening my older brother who quit medical school to eventually graduate from a school of architecture arrived home wearing a Cartier Santos circa late 1980s. I suggest the brand was prominent ages before social media and video channels on YT!
At one time in my life I had 3 watches, all 3 were Cartier. A Santos Galbee, a Tank Francaise & a Pasha. I bought them purely because I loved the design of all of them. I admit that I also bought them as I didn't want to follow the crowd & buy a Rolex.
To me Cartier have always been a more elegant & chic choice to their equivalents, so I suppose that suggests I'm more fashion conscious that I care to admit.
Great shots btw.
A little more than a year ago I would not have considered buying a Cartier. A watch dealer with a lot of time and Tuesday morning incidentally changed that when he was showing me some watches - you know “I’m just gathering info”, if anyone asks.
The Santos changed my perception of what a Cartier watch is. I love wearing mine. The history, looks, finish and also performance.
Now, that Tank looks cool too 😁🤘
Great shots btw.
Thank you for that compliment!
A little more than a year ago I would not have considered buying a Cartier. A watch dealer with a lot of time and Tuesday morning incidentally changed that when he was showing me some watches - you know “I’m just gathering info”, if anyone asks.
The Santos changed my perception of what a Cartier watch is. I love wearing mine. The history, looks, finish and also performance.
Now, that Tank looks cool too 😁🤘
It looks so cool indeed! Thanks for sharing your story and this beautiful watch. What about the sensitivity when it comes to scratches? Is that an issue for you?
How can one not appreciate the rich design history of the wachtmaker of shapes. I keep falling in love with more and more design I try on. Last one was this Tonneau
I bought a Tank Must 2 years ago and I went for the size XL. That version has an inhouse caliber and it is an automatic movement. I care more about what kind of watch it is than just how it looks.