Cartier watches are some of the very best that luxury watch collecting has to offer. A heritage dating back to the 1840s, Cartier’s pieces have been worn by the likes of Hollywood legends, sporting icons and even royals, making them undoubtedly one of the most sought-after brands.
Despite their unparalleled lineup of celebrity wearers and longstanding history, the question many people have is, ‘is buying a Cartier watch a good investment?’, and, if so, which ones are worth your investment?
I’m here to walk you through my top 5 pieces to invest in, and how to choose the right one for your use and lifestyle.
Santos de Cartier
If you’ve been researching ‘which Cartier watch holds value?’, I suspect you may be a little sick of hearing about the Santos. But it’s an undisputed classic for a reason. Largely considered one of the first wristwatches for men, the Santos de Cartier certainly has the legacy aspect, originally designed for Albert Santos-Dumont in 1904.
This watch is one of the most versatile, too, which is essential for getting the most out of your investment. It’s equally at home with a tailored suit as with a casual weekend outfit, and the interchangeable bracelet/strap means you can wear it two ways.
I’d recommend opting for a Santos with a stainless steel case, like the Cartier Santos-Dumont Extra Large Model Manual Winding (WSSA0032), as this gives you extra durability for everyday use.
Tank Louis Cartier
Classic watches have an infinitely better chance of working as an investment piece - they’re likely to never go out of style, and if you’re ever looking to resell, they have a better chance of retaining value. The Tank Louis has an extraordinary place in culture, worn by the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, and Princess Diana, making them always in demand by long-term collectors.
It’s pure art deco on the wrist, sitting flat and elegantly in a way no round watch can match. Yellow gold is having its revival, so I recommend choosing any of the decadent 18ct yellow gold case versions, such as the Tank Louis Cartier Small Model Quartz (WGTA0342), accompanied by a warm-toned alligator leather strap for that ultimate vintage feel.
Santos-Dumont Skeleton
Returning to the Santos for a second, investment-worthy watches often contain details that showcase the intricacies of movements or calibres. The Santos De Cartier Skeleton Large Model Manual Winding (WHSA0015) does exactly that with a visible, manual winding calibre 9611 MC packaged in a neat stainless steel case.
The open-worked dial is a piece of watchmaking craft, perfect for anyone who appreciates the mechanics of automatic watches. The Santos-Dumont is slimmer than the standard Santos, making it a distinctly different proposition on the wrist.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier
A uniquely round option for the Cartier lineup, the Ballon Bleu is a more feminine, traditional style of wristwatch that appeals to collectors who don’t love the square look of a traditional Cartier.
The Ballon Bleau works on any wrist, making it the most gender-fluid on this list, widening its appeal and long-term demand. The rounded case and signature blue cabochon crown are instantly recognisable without being loud. It’s a strong entry point into Cartier collecting, made even easier with cartier watches on finance, where we allow you to pay the price of your watch over several months, interest free.
As with the other Cartier ranges, the Ballon Bleu offers its models in several different sizes, such as a comfortable 28mm quartz variation, or a bolder 46mm stainless steel automatic version.
Cartier Tank FrançaiseÂ
Back to the Tank family, the Tank Française sits in a different bracket to the Tank Louis. It’s sportier, more contemporary, and appeals to a wider buyer pool on the secondary market. Steel models keep their value well, and the integrated bracelet design means the condition is easier to maintain than a strap watch.
It bridges the gap between the Santos and the Tank Louis, giving you genuinely different wear across the five options. When shopping with Banks Lyon, you’ll get the benefits of using an authorised stockist, including full manufacturer’s warranty and official servicing support - protecting your watch’s condition and therefore its value.
Explore Cartier watches worth investing in at Banks Lyon Jewellers. Shop online or visit us in-store at our Lancaster boutique.