Mention “Cartier” to anyone, and they will most likely associate it with the iconic jewelry and watch brand. Cartier has been in business since the mid-1800s and is easily one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, and not just by watch enthusiasts, either. Cartier also reaches a large consumer market with a significant presence in the leather goods and jewelry industries. While Cartier is a universal symbol of success and great taste, with some watches reaching more than $50,000, not all Cartier watches are extremely expensive. There are definitely ways to get your foot in the door without it costing you your leg. Below we explore some of the best entry-level Cartier watches for men and women for under $10k.
How much is an entry level Cartier?
Being backed by so much prestige and desirability doesn’t necessarily mean watches from Cartier are unobtainable. The catalog encompasses various metal finishes, case sizes, and complications. As a result, entry-level Cartier watches prices start at below $3,000.
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What is an Entry-Level Watch?
While affordability is subjective, what constitutes an entry-level watch is pretty straightforward. Simply put, an entry-level watch is the most affordable model in a brand’s catalog, and every brand has one. It boils down to whether the price to get your foot in the door starts at $2,000 or $10,000. Furthermore, entry-level watches are often furnished with simpler movements – usually quartz- and feature smaller case sizes and non-precious metals like stainless steel.
However, to complicate matters more, the distinction “entry-level” can also apply to the most affordable watches within different sub-collections or categories. For example, gold watches, chronographs, and even large model watches. Investing in the quality associated with an exclusive watch brand doesn’t necessarily come cheap, but it doesn’t have to be entirely out of reach, either.
Cartier Tank Must
The Must was always designed to be a collection of entry-level luxury watches and goods. By the 1970s, each of the three branches controlling the company was sold, and Cartier was no longer family-owned. During this time, Vermeil Tank watches started popping up in spades at Cartier boutiques. To better appeal to customers and align with the company’s established reputation for high style and quality, these cheaper watches were labeled “Must de Cartier.”
Cartier no longer produces Vermeil Tank watches. However, the Must collection remains the most affordable in the brand’s current lineup, with the small quartz model retailing for just $2,920 and the large quartz model selling for $3,100. It has all the beloved hallmarks of the Cartier Tank collection, including a geometric case shape, blue cabochon crown, and the famous Roman numeral dial, but for a price that meets most budgets. If you’re looking for an affordable gateway to Cartier ownership and value style, the Tank Must is a sure bet.
Learn more about the Cartier Tank:
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Cartier Pasha de Cartier
The Pasha de Cartier is a relatively new addition to the company’s portfolio, debuting in 1985 and continuing production today in a stunning array of provocative designs that push the boundaries of classic watchmaking. In its most basic form, the Pasha de Cartier is characterized by a round case, a screw-down crown cover, and Arabic hour markers instead of Roman numerals on most models. This model is fashion-forward and even considered a cult favorite in many watch-collecting circles. Retail prices start at $5,300. However, there are options on the grey market for under $3k.
Cartier Tank Française
The Cartier Tank and most of its sub-models have many of the same features, including straight brancards that extend outwards to form the lugs, a chemin de fer minute track, and a crown decorated with a blue cabochon. The brand’s dedication to these design elements is why the Tank is so recognizable and coveted.
Released in the 1990s, the Française brings a fresh and contemporary feel to the enduring Tank collection, including non-rounded brancards and the Tank’s first integrated bracelet. Current-production stainless steel models include small ($3,700), medium ($4,700), and large ($5,750) and resell for around the retail price, while discontinued models sell for between $2,500 and $4,000, depending on the case size and reference number.
Cartier Santos-Dumont
What’s better than an affordable watch? One with an incredible story to tell, and the Cartier Santos-Dumont trumps most timepieces with a history dating to the early 1900s as the first modern aviator’s wristwatch. Over a century later, the collection still follows the same Santos-Dumont recipe, featuring a distinctive square-shaped case, a bezel decorated with screws, and Roman numeral hour markers. Its iconic design endures even today. Still, with modern amenities like a “high autonomy” quartz movement and sapphire crystal, the collection is still an entry-level Cartier you can add to your watch box for as low as $3,900 retail.
Entry-Level Two-Tone Cartier Watches
Stainless steel is the obvious choice when shopping for an affordable Cartier watch, but what about gold? A smart way to invest in a precious metal watch is to choose a two-tone model pairing stainless steel with either white, yellow, or rose gold. Additionally, two-tone watches have been making a comeback in recent years, with many collectors preferring steel and gold finishes over solid gold.
Steel and Gold Cartier Santos-Dumont
We have another Cartier Santos Dumont for this category, this time in two-tone. You can invest in a current production model in steel and gold for between $5k and $6k. As of 2023, the steel and rose gold small model on a leather strap retails for $5,600, while the large model retails for $6,050. While it’s possible to find discounts on the secondary market if you dig deep enough, both watches typically trade hands for around the retail price.
Entry-Level Gold Cartier Watches
There is a lot of potential on the grey market if you’re shopping for a traditional gold Cartier watch. You might also be surprised to learn that you can invest in a discontinued gold watch for about the same price as a current-production two-tone watch.
Cartier Tank Solo
Many Cartier enthusiasts argue the Solo, released in 2004, most closely resembles the coveted Tank Louis Cartier. Also known as the Tank “LC,” the Tank Louis Cartier was the second iteration of the original Tank model. It debuted in the early 1920s with more rounded brancards and a narrower bezel. It was only available in precious metal and is one of the most iconic gold Cartier watches ever produced. While the Tank “LC” will typically set you back about $10k, the Solo in gold usually trades hands for around $5k. When it comes to iconic gold Cartier watches, Tank Solo offers the most value.
Often, Cartier watches hold value because the brand is closely associated with high style and exclusivity. You will find that most entry-level watches retain their value well and even resell for around the original retail price, depending on the reference number and watch features. Even the most affordable models are relatively solid investments that never really go out of style and add serious value to any collection.
More on Entry-Level Luxury Watches:
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The Best Entry-Level Vacheron Constantin Watches
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2 Comments
I wish to buy Cartier Santos-Dumont Ref. WSSA0022 online from Cartier official site .
Over priced Over hyped !