PHOTO COURTESY OF CARTIER
While fine jewellery designs like Juste Un Clou, LOVE and Trinity are all synonymous with Cartier, timepieces are also a strong pillar at the French maison. As they continue to be expanded and updated, these four key styles are well-loved by connoisseurs of a timeless (no pun intended) watch crafted in full steel, which makes for a good starter watch if you prefer a stylish timepiece on your wrist at all times.
One of the earliest timepieces created at Cartier, it was originally designed for famed aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in the early 1900s. The Santos de Cartier was also Cartier’s first square watch. This stood out as it came at a time when the round pocket watch was still very much in fashion. The minimalistic design, complete with visible screws, was yet another interesting talking point. After all, screws were typically hidden in traditional watchmaking during that era.
Modern-day interpretations, like the Panthère de Cartier, made its debut in the 1980s. Boasting a flexible bracelet that wraps around the wrist like a piece of jewellery, its feline good looks gained immense popularity amongst ladies in the art scene. After undergoing a slight update in 2017, it is now available in over 25 design variations. These include diamond-paved and full-gold options.
Prefer a circular watch? Then the Ballon Bleu de Cartier is the one to watch. Created in 2007, the stylish design features beautiful convex curves, with wraparound Roman numerals for a hypnotic effect. If you’re wondering where the ‘bleu’ is, pay attention to the domed sapphire crystal crown at the three o’clock position. A metal hoop encloses it for protection and integration within the case.
Lastly, the Tank Française sees a refreshing update (and some say, upgrade) in 2023. Key noticeable changes include slightly raised (no longer printed) numerals on the dial that give it a 3D-like effect. The integrated crown with synthetic cabochon-shape spinel is another cool touch. The large model is also fully automatic, with the Caliber 1853 MC packing a power reserve of 37 hours. Furthermore, it’s the only model in the Tank Française family with a date function at the 3 o’clock position.
The best part? None of these cost above SGD10,000. That’s great for fledgling watch collectors, especially since full steel is pretty solid for daily use. The medium Panthère de Cartier in quartz starts at SGD7000, while the large Tank Française comes in at SGD7700. Other automatic timepieces like the 33mm Ballon Bleu de Cartier and medium Santos de Cartier are priced at SGD8350 and SGD9650 respectively.
