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Cartier Watches: Price Guide & Buyer's Guide

Cartier invented the modern wristwatch in 1904 when Louis Cartier designed the Santos for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Today, Cartier remains the undisputed leader in luxury watch design, with the Tank, Santos, and Panthère among the most recognizable timepieces ever made. Pre-owned Cartier prices on eBay range from $2,000 for quartz Tank Solo models to $50,000+ for rare Crash and platinum pieces.

Cartier Watch Prices: What They Actually Sell For

Real pre-owned prices from eBay sold listings vs. current retail. Updated February 2026.

ModelReferenceSizePre-Owned (eBay)RetailNotes
Tank Solo (Small/Large)Various25-31mm$1,800 - $3,000$3,050+Entry-level Tank, quartz
Tank FrançaiseVarious25-32mm$2,500 - $5,000$4,100+Art Deco links bracelet
Tank MustWSTA0065+25-34mm$2,200 - $3,500$3,100+Modern reissue, SolarBeat option
Tank Louis CartierWGTA001134mm$8,000 - $15,000$14,500+18K gold only, the purist\u2019s Tank
Santos de Cartier MediumWSSA002935mm$4,000 - $5,500$7,250In-house movement, Quick Switch
Santos de Cartier LargeWSSA001840mm$4,500 - $6,500$7,650Larger wrist, same features
Santos-DumontWSSA002243mm$3,000 - $4,500$5,550Manual-wind, ultra-thin dress
Panthère de Cartier MediumWSPN000727mm$3,000 - $4,500$5,100Iconic jewelry watch
Panthère de Cartier SmallWSPN000622mm$2,800 - $4,000$4,350Petite, pure elegance
Ballon Bleu 36mmVarious36mm$3,000 - $5,000$5,900+Round case, blue crown
Ballon Bleu 33mmVarious33mm$2,500 - $4,000$5,250+Women\u2019s sizing
CrashWHCH0006Asymmetric$25,000 - $60,000+$75,000+Iconic melting dial, extremely rare
Drive de CartierWSNM001541mm$3,000 - $5,000$6,200Cushion case, men\u2019s dress

Prices based on eBay sold listings for watches in good to excellent condition with box/papers. Actual prices vary by condition, completeness, and market demand.

Best Cartier Watches for Women

Cartier is the premier luxury watch brand for women, offering designs that blur the line between fine jewelry and haute horlogerie. Here are the four standout collections.

Panthère The Jewelry Piece

Art Deco links bracelet that doubles as a luxury bracelet. Available in steel, two-tone gold, and full gold. The quintessential Cartier jewelry watch.

From $2,800 pre-ownedSearch on eBay

Tank Française The Classic

Integrated bracelet with Art Deco case lines that flow seamlessly into the links. Timeless elegance that works from boardroom to black tie.

From $2,500 pre-ownedSearch on eBay

Santos Medium The Modern Choice

QuickSwitch system lets you swap between bracelet and strap in seconds. In-house automatic movement. Sporty yet refined.

From $4,000 pre-ownedSearch on eBay

Ballon Bleu 33mm The Contemporary

Distinctive round case with the signature blue sapphire cabochon crown integrated into the case. Contemporary Cartier at its finest.

From $2,500 pre-ownedSearch on eBay

Explore Cartier Collections

Deep-dive guides for each Cartier collection, with model-specific pricing, buying tips, and authentication details.

Coming Soon

Cartier Crash Guide

The legendary melting dial — history, values, and how to buy

Coming Soon

Ballon Bleu Guide

Ballon Bleu sizes, movements, and value analysis

Coming Soon

Santos-Dumont Guide

The original aviator watch — ultra-thin dress icon

How to Authenticate a Cartier Watch

Cartier is one of the most counterfeited luxury watch brands. Here are the key authentication points every buyer should know.

The Secret Signature

Look closely at the Roman numeral VII (or X on certain models) on the dial. The word "Cartier" is hidden within the numeral, engraved in microscopic text. This is one of the most famous "Easter eggs" in watchmaking and is extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.

Sapphire Cabochon Crown

Every Cartier watch features a blue sapphire cabochon on the crown. On authentic pieces, this is a genuine cabochon-cut stone (or synthetic spinel on some models) with depth and translucency. Fakes often use painted plastic or a flat blue dot that lacks the distinctive dome shape.

Serial Number Engraving

Authentic Cartier serial numbers are engraved with precision — clean, evenly spaced, and consistent depth. They appear on the caseback and should match the warranty card. Counterfeits often have shallow, uneven, or laser-etched numbers that feel rough to the touch.

Warranty Card Verification

Cartier warranty cards feature a hologram, embossed Cartier logo, and a serial number that must match the watch. Modern cards also include a date of purchase and authorized dealer stamp. Always cross-reference the card serial with the caseback engraving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Cartier watch?
Cartier watch prices range from around $2,000 for a pre-owned Tank Solo quartz to $100,000+ for rare models like the Crash or platinum Santos-Dumont. Popular models like the Santos de Cartier Medium sell for $4,000-$5,500 pre-owned, while the Panth\u00e8re starts around $2,800. New retail prices start at approximately $3,050 for a Tank Solo.
Do Cartier watches hold their value?
It depends on the model. The Tank and Santos collections hold value best, retaining 70-80% of retail price. The Ballon Bleu and quartz models depreciate more, typically retaining only 40-60%. Limited editions and the Crash actually appreciate significantly. Gold versions of any model hold value better than steel.
How to tell if a Cartier watch is real?
Key authentication points: (1) Look for the secret \u2018Cartier\u2019 signature hidden within the Roman numeral VII (or X on some models) on the dial. (2) Check the blue sapphire cabochon crown \u2014 it should be a genuine cabochon-cut stone, not painted plastic. (3) Examine serial number engraving depth and quality. (4) Verify the warranty card with hologram and matching serial number.
What is the best Cartier watch for ladies?
The Panth\u00e8re is ideal for a classic jewelry-watch aesthetic. The Tank Fran\u00e7aise offers timeless Art Deco elegance with an integrated bracelet. The Santos Medium provides sporty versatility with QuickSwitch straps. The Ballon Bleu 33mm suits contemporary tastes with its distinctive round case and blue cabochon crown.
Are Cartier watches worth buying?
Yes, Cartier watches are worth buying for their unmatched design heritage. Cartier literally invented the modern wristwatch \u2014 Louis Cartier created the Santos in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Santos and Tank are strong investments that hold value well, while Ballon Bleu models depreciate more. Buying pre-owned on eBay can save you 30-50% below retail.
Where are Cartier watches made?
Cartier watches are made in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. High-end models use Cartier\u2019s in-house 1847 MC family of movements, while entry-level models use reliable Cartier calibers based on established Swiss movements. All Cartier watches undergo rigorous quality control.

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