Founded in 1847 by French jeweler Louis-Francois Cartier, the House of Cartier produces classic luxury watches for men and women. Beginning in the 19th century with high jewelry brooch and pocket timepieces, Cartier eventually moved onto wristwatches with the famed Santos pilot’s watch made especially for Alberto Santos Dumont in 1904. Cartier has produced a number of iconic watches over its illustrious history, always with an eye for timeless silhouettes and high-styled looks.
Some of the most sophisticated luxury watches for women are from Cartier. Cherished by ladies all over the world, from royalty to celebrities to cultural tastemakers, women’s Cartier watches are timelessly elegant and are a must-have for any ladies’ watch wardrobe. Among the numerous collections produced by the brand, there are three women’s Cartier watch models that are particularly popular: the Cartier Tank, the Cartier Ballon Bleu, and the Cartier Panthère.
First unveiled in 1917, the Cartier Tank took inspiration from the military tanks on the battlefields of the First World War. Characterized by clean lines, flat rectangular or square cases, Roman numerals, and a sapphire-decorated winding crown, the Tank is a Cartier classic. So much so that a myriad of iterations on the iconic Tank watch have been released over the years. Some key Cartier Tank watches for women include the Tank Anglaise, the Tank Americaine, and the Tank Française. As one of the brand’s flagship models, the elegance of the Tank watch has stood the test of time. Cartier Tank watches for women range from understated stainless steel versions to more opulent diamond ones. A favorite among public figures, Angelina Jolie and Michelle Obama have frequently been spotted wearing their Cartier Tank timepieces.
Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu in 2007, and though it’s one of the newest models in the line-up, it was an immediate hit on release. The Ballon Bleu is so-named for its blue sapphire winding crown—other design hallmarks of this chic women’s Cartier watch are the Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands. A versatile watch, the Ballon Bleu is offered in stainless steel, gold, or a mix of both, in addition to plain or diamond dials and steel or leather straps. Seduced by the watch’s elegant curves, famous women like Kate Middleton and Kris Jenner have chosen the Cartier Ballon Bleu as their go-to watch.
The panther has been an enduring motif of the House of Cartier since very early in its history, so it’s only fitting that the brand named one of its watch collection after the graceful big cat. The Cartier Panthère was first presented in 1983 and is distinguished by its square case with rounded corners, square bezel with exposed screws, five-link integrated bracelet construction, Roman numerals, and blue center hands. Although it has since been discontinued, the Cartier Panthère is still very much a desirable watch that has never gone out of style. Reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian is often seen wearing hers out and about, proving the Panthère still has modern appeal.
If you’re in the market for a well-made and tasteful luxury dress watch that can be paired with any outfit, look no further than the varied selection of women’s Cartier watches.
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