Not long ago, we reported that according to the statistics from the well-known second-hand luxury platform Fashionphile, the market’s fondness for Cartier watches is growing by the day. As of 2024, the number of times consumers have searched for Cartier watches on Fashionphile has doubled compared to 2023. Coincidentally, the renowned online second-hand watch trading platform Chrono24 has also noticed that the popularity of Cartier watches in recent years has almost reached an all-time high. This can even be glimpsed at auctions. For instance, a Crash watch sold for a record-breaking $1.65 million for the series at an auction in 2022. Additionally, the quotations for rare variants of the Tank series such as Normale or Cintrée in the secondary market are increasingly astonishing.
Chrono24 believes that the great popularity of Cartier watches reflects changes in market preferences. The market was previously dominated by steel-cased sports watches for many years. But as the saying goes, “extremes reverse.” When the craze for this style of sports watches starts to decline from its peak, watches with relatively elegant and classic designs have the opportunity to regain the market’s attention. Thus, Cartier watches have emerged under such a turn of events.
Cartier watches have a high inquiry rate in the secondary market in recent years. Both men and women can find a watch that suits their preferences within the brand’s series.
There are reasons for the fondness of Cartier watches. Their design sense is highly recognizable. Unlike most brands that conventionally create round watch cases, round cases are the minority for the brand. For those who are a bit tired of the sports watch craze, the appearance of Cartier watches is definitely persuasive. Just finding a favorite design within their series is a great pleasure. Therefore, Chrono24 has also summarized for us the best-selling and most beloved Cartier watches from their big data on the website. The following counts down from the 5th place to the 1st place (including the series name and model).
5th Place: Tank Must XL WSTA0040
For those seeking a large-sized formal style, this Tank Must might be your target. Its case size measures 41x31mm, one size larger than the classic Tank Louis, so a larger wrist circumference is needed to support this watch. WSTA0040 is a stainless steel model, which is more low-key and durable than precious metal models. This Tank Must XL has an additional second hand, which slightly conflicts with Cartier’s emphasis on simplistic design. However, the guilloché decoration on the dial adds points back. Additionally, the watch also has a date display, which directly replaces the Roman numeral hour marker at 6 o’clock. But it is quite appropriately located in a position that is not particularly noticeable but can provide the necessary information when needed.
4th Place: Tank Louis 78086
The great classic of the Tank series ranks 4th on this list, which is also the most common and shared image when many people mention Cartier watches. The diameter of this model 78086 is 30x23mm. Its case and buckle are made of gold, and the dial features Cartier’s representative design, such as track scales, Roman numeral hour markers, and blued steel hands. Moreover, the word “PARIS” is printed at 6 o’clock to highlight the brand’s birthplace. The watch is equipped with a manual winding movement. The usage experience is as elegant as the watch’s appearance. And compared to the large size of the Tank Must XL, the Tank Louis 78086 is relatively more suitable for most people to wear as a classic Cartier.
3rd Place: Panthère 1070
The top two are both from the Tank series, but at this point, a Panthère series, which is considered a women’s watch line, appears. This model has been very popular among female collectors in recent years. Its square case size is 22mm, which is small and exquisite when worn on the hand. The case material of the Panthère 1070 model is made of gold, paired with a metal bracelet of the same material. Therefore, when actually worn on the hand, it has a certain weight. But this apparently does not affect women’s willingness to wear it. The watch dial also follows the classic Cartier timepiece line. The two-hand display is sleek and has personality. The matching ability brought by the outstanding shape design is even stronger than the simple function of reading time.
2nd Place: Santos 100 XL 2656
If you pursue the design style of Cartier watches but haven’t been able to switch your preference completely to the refined and elegant line of formal watches, Santos 100 XL becomes an excellent stepping stone for the market to experience the brand’s timepiece genes. For a brand that originated from jewelry, at first glance, Santos 100 XL’s bold and masculine lines may seem a bit discordant. But when the wearer is a man, this strongly present 造型 is actually quite appropriate. Although the style will have subtle differences when paired with a leather strap or rubber strap, the large size of the watch, the luminous coating on the hands, etc., all demonstrate its positioning closer to the sports watch type.
1st Place: Santos De Cartier WSSA0029
The best-selling Cartier watch on Chrono24 coincides with what many people desire the most, which is the basic model of Santos De Cartier that seems like the brand’s timepiece facade in recent years. However, the bestselling model WSSA0029 on Chrono24 is actually a medium-sized model rather than a large-sized one. The watch size is 35.1×35.1mm, which is a size suitable for both men and women. The Santos series has a development history of over 100 years. The watch’s appearance largely inherits the features from a century ago. At the same time, Cartier has continuously refined the overall design details over the years. The current version of Santos De Cartier has a refined and exquisite appearance, almost flawless. At the same time, Cartier has also led the trend of the times by developing the QuickSwitch strap quick-release system and the SmartLink easy-adjust link design for the bracelet. Whether the owner wants to change the strap or adjust the strap length, this model allows you to easily complete it by yourself. Finally, importantly, this is a watch that watch fans can easily recognize when worn out. It combines practicality and good taste. No wonder it is the most favored.
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