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I n 2024 Sotheby’s continues to bring a range of extraordinary and historically significant Cartier watches to market, attracting significant collector interest. Each piece demonstrates the design flair of the Maison and in doing so, showcases the ability of Cartier watches to transcend the world of haute horlogerie. Join us as we explore five extraordinary Cartier watches sold at Sotheby’s during 2024.
This Cartier Paris Cloche was sold for 1,651,000 HKD in April 2024 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong.
This unique Paris Cloche in platinum was produced for The Magical Art of Cartier auction in 1996. Its bell-shaped case reinterpreted the original Cloche de Cartier, which first appeared in the 1920s as a jewelry piece. The unconventional shape of the Cartier Paris Cloche set it apart from the rectangular watches prevalent at the time, highlighting the brand’s ability to experiment with case-shapes and sculpt functional objects into objet d'art.
The platinum case was inscribed with 1/1 on the back, marking Cartier's tradition of creating exclusive pieces. With a silvered dial and mechanical caliber 9P2, this Cartier watch was the only piece to feature this specific dial configuration. This watch was last seen at auction in 1996, making its return to market via Sotheby's an exciting moment for collectors.
This Cartier Baignoire Turtle Reference CRWJLI0021 sold at Sotheby's for 840,000 HKD in October 2024 .
Limited to just 30 pieces, the Cartier Baignoire Turtle blended the brand’s signature elegance with playful design elements. Its white gold case adorned with diamonds, sapphires, tsavorites, and black enamel, exemplified Cartier's ability to seamlessly blur the lines between fine watchmaking and high jewelry.
Introduced in 2021, this model reimagined the classic Cartier Baignoire shape with whimsical details. This particular watch was numbered 16/30. This Cartier watch’s form was completed by a stunning jeweled buckle, further enhancing its opulent character. It rightfully earned its significant appeal to collectors drawn to both craftsmanship and exclusivity.
This Cartier watch sold for 103,200 USD in June 2024 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in New York.
This historically significant yellow gold and enamel Cartier watch was originally gifted to Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces General John J. Pershing on Christmas Day in 1917. The case back bore a personal inscription from Pershing’s comrade, making the watch not just a piece of horological history but also a deeply personal artefact.
The avant-garde square design predated the iconic Cartier Tank, a model first introduced in 1919. With its intricate Greek key pattern on the lugs, the watch exemplified Cartier's early exploration of geometric motifs. Consigned by the Pershing family, this lot was a rare glimpse into the early influence of Cartier on military history and personal diplomacy during World War I.
This Cartier Baignoire was sold for 66,000 EUR in October 2024 as part of Sotheby's Fine Jewels and Dame Shirely Bassey Collection sale.
Housed in an oval case, this elegant Cartier Baignoire featured the Cartier trademarks of a sapphire cabochon crown, Roman numerals and blued steel hands. The signature Cartier dial complemented the luxurious 18k gold case and adjustable leather strap. This Cartier watch exemplified the brand’s mastery of timeless design, balancing a subtle and now iconic design language with the playful use of case shapes.
The Cartier Baignoire collection has remained a hallmark of ladies' watches at Cartier. Its refined proportions and delicate craftsmanship made it a collector's favorite, especially for those seeking classic elegance with a hint of modern chic.
This Cartier Tank Asymétrique Milan Edition was sold by Sotheby's for 60,960 CHF in April 2024.
Crafted in a limited run of 16 pieces, this Cartier Tank Asymétrique is a modern creation that Cartier introduced to commemorate the reopening of its Milan boutique in 2022. The platinum case of the watch was offset by burgundy accents and reflected a bold reimagining of the original Cartier Asymétrique, first introduced in 1936. Known for its rotated dial, the Cartier Tank Asymétrique challenges conventional design, showcasing the brand’s flair for the unconventional.
Numbered 15/16, this Cartier watch possessed an exclusivity underscored by its connection to Via Montenapoleone, the Milan boutique’s prestigious address.
These five rare Cartier watches brought to market by Sotheby's in 2024 illustrate the brand’s evolution across different eras and highlight the maison's leadership in design innovation within the world of haute horlogerie. From exclusive modern pieces to watches with deep personal and historical significance, Cartier continues to captivate collectors with its ability to blend artistry, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
At Sotheby’s our experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary Cartier watches to market, making us well placed to advise on the sale of Cartier watches or for those looking to add a watch to their collection. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
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