Cartier shares a long and illustrious history with some of the biggest names throughout history, so much so that it was King Edward VII who referred to the Cartier as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.”
Nowadays, Cartier still upholds that tradition but has also adorned the wrists of many other famous faces throughout history.
#2 – Michelle Obama
A long time Cartier lover, the former First Lady even wore Cartier in her official Whitehouse portrait in March 2009, namely the Cartier Tank Française Small Ladies Watch. This came as a surprise to even Cartier, who was not aware that the First Lady would be wearing that specific watch for the occasion.
The Ladies’ edition mirrors the design of the Gents but offers a delicate and feminine touch to the iconic design. The refined elegance of this stunning timepiece is a perfect choice for a First Lady and complements the sophistication of Michelle Obama herself with its understated opulence.
#3 – Lucy Liu
Actress Lucy Liu has featured in films such as Kill Bill and Charlie’s Angels but has more recently starred in the TV series Elementary, where she has been known to wear the Cartier Tank Louis Watch.
This is a particularly stylish model with a brown leather strap and the iconic blue hands which give the timepiece a vintage look.
The Tank Louis Cartier collection was worn by Louis Cartier himself, making this watch an excellent choice for those wishing to emulate his style and sophistication.
#4 – Mick Jagger
Frontman of arguably the most famous rock band on the planet, if not of all time, Mick Jagger wears the contemporary and timeless Cartier Tank Française Watch. The Rolling Stones have been exciting and dazzling audiences since 1962, making Jagger’s time at the top over twice as long as the Tank Française; the watch was only released in 1996.
Exuding that classic Tank style, the Tank Française is shorter than its Anglaise counterpart but loses nothing in terms of readability or style. The bold Roman numeral dial remains, as do the quintessential blue steel sword-shaped hands. For the definitive rock god, the Tank Française is a masterclass performance.
#5 – Princess Caroline of Monaco
Next on our list is Princess Caroline of Monaco, who can boast her fame on multiple levels. She is the daughter of Rainier II, Prince of Monaco, and of the American actress Grace Kelly. Though today she favours the Cartier Panthere, Princess Caroline made a bold statement in her former years as a great wearer of the Cartier Tank.
The Cartier Tank Solo Small watch is the perfect combination of simplicity and boldness. Ever-elegant, the square face juts off the wrist, the angular corners recalling the original Cartier Tank of 1917, stating its place as a non-conformist, a triumph of straight lines and precision in a world of ever more complex designs.
The Princess, considered an international fashion icon and one of the best-dressed women in the world, could not have found a more fitting brand for a lady of her stature.
#6 – Princess Diana
The late Princess Diana, mother to Prince William and Prince Harry, was associated with Cartier and could often be seen wearing a gold Cartier Tank Française which was a gift from her father, John Spencer.
This Cartier connection became particularly important to the young Prince William, who was gifted a similar, engraved Cartier watch for one of his birthdays. After Diana’s death, the young Princes were offered the opportunity to choose something from Diana’s jewellery collection to keep as a memento – William chose the Cartier watch his mother so often wore.
In recent years, Prince William chose to gift his wife, Kate Middleton a Cartier watch, carrying on the Cartier tradition from his mother.
#7 – Duchess of Cambridge – Kate Middleton
The Duchess of Cambridge and wife of Prince William is known as a style icon within the Royal Family. It only seems fitting, then, that she wears a watch that reflects the elegance and sophistication she is so well known for.
While members of the Royal Family have been spotted wearing Cartier Tank watches in the past, Kate Middleton has refreshed the look with the Cartier Ballon Bleu Ladies Watch which offers an updated take on the iconic style of Cartier. Rarely seen without her timepiece, the Ballon Bleu has certainly made an impression on the Duchess of Cambridge.
With the recent announcement of the latest royal engagement, many of us will be paying close attention to the jewellery and timepiece choices of the future wife of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle. Will she follow suit with a Cartier model, or will she continue to break the mould and opt for a different signature brand? Make sure to read our latest blog to find out more about the stunning engagement ring chosen by Prince Harry.
The seven people listed above represent some of Cartier’s most well-known faces. With designs that reflect the elegance and sophistication of the brand, it is not hard to see why these watches are so well loved.
Please take your time to browse our selection of stunning Cartier watches here at Banks Lyon.