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History of Cartier watches

Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier. The Paris-based workshop focused on creating only the finest designs in jewellery and watches, which soon earned them an admirable reputation among both royalty and the social elite. 

Following Louis-François Cartier’s passing, his three grandsons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, built on the legacy that their grandfather had left through global expansion, with the opening of boutiques in London and New York, as well as a store in the famous Paris jewellery hub of Rue de la Paix. 

The brand’s presence in some of the most prestigious locations around the world helped drum up interest among a number of aristocracies, royal families and only the most famous of faces who appeared on broadway, silent movies and soon after, Hollywood blockbusters. Among these was King Edward VII, who not long after his coronation in the early 1900s, provided Cartier with a royal warrant to become the king’s official supplier of fine jewellery. It was the king who also called Cartier ‘joaillier des rois, roi des joailliers' or ‘jeweller to kings, king of jewellers’.

The royal appointments didn’t stop there. Cartier found itself providing its fine designs in jewellery and watches to courts all around the world, including Spain, India, Portugal, Russia, Greece, Egypt, Monaco and many more. 

A significant moment in the brand’s history, and the wider luxury watch market, came in 1904. Aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, complained to his friend, Louis Cartier, about the impracticality of traditional pocket watches in his profession. Cartier set out to solve the aviator’s problems by developing a timepiece that could be fastened to the wrist, marking the creation of the brand’s first wristwatch. The celebrity status of Alberto Santos-Dumont led to a revolutionary fashion trend that saw sharp increases in demand for such designs.

Consequently, Cartier began production of the Santos watch model, which was an instant hit among consumers. A few years later, the brand introduced the Tank, a watch design inspired by the military vehicle, and which today enjoys a formidable reputation among watch lovers as one of the brand’s most recognisable models. 

Over the years, Cartier has continued to develop and innovate its watch contributions, regularly seeking inspiration from culture and tradition to create state of the art timepieces for modern day wearers. Its collection is varied, yet every piece remains distinct to the brand through their undeniable quality and aesthetic appeal.

Pre-owned ladies’ Cartier watches

Cartier produces some of the most beautiful and highly sought after timepieces for women. With every piece holding its own piece of history, it makes perfect sense why second hand Cartier watches are incredibly popular. 

No matter the year of production, you can be sure that every Cartier watch design is timeless in style, and crafted to the highest standards of luxury quality. And for even greater peace of mind, our experts ensure every pre-owned ladies’ Cartier watch is examined and accurately valued, so you can have confidence in the quality and cost of your purchase.


Second hand Cartier watches for men

We often stock some highly sought after second hand men’s Cartier watches, including models from renowned collections such as Tank, Santos, Pasha, Ballon Bleu, Drive and many more. 

With every watch telling its own tale of history, it’s no surprise that these pre-owned pieces are incredibly popular among watch enthusiasts all over the world. Watches in the collection are guaranteed to be in pristine condition, while also showcasing additional charm and character thanks to their previous lives. 

If you’re looking for a unique vintage design, or timeless accessory to pair with formal attire, a pre-owned Cartier watch is the perfect choice.


Why should you buy pre-owned Cartier watches?

Having made such an impact in the world of luxury watches, a second hand Cartier watch is the perfect edition to any timepiece collection. And as the brand is known for its high quality standards, Cartier watches hold their value, which also makes them great investment pieces. 

Many of the second hand Cartier watches for sale in our collection are models that hold historical significance, and which have been discontinued by the brand, meaning you may not be able to find them brand new elsewhere. Therefore, we help you get your hands on exclusive and often rare timepieces through our trusted second hand service. 

Every pre-owned watch sold by Hamilton & Inches is guaranteed to be in pristine condition and accurately examined and valued, so you can be sure that you are receiving an authentic timepiece at the best possible price. We also offer a two year warranty with every pre-owned Cartier watch purchase, and an excellent after-sales care service, which i scarried out by our team of expert in-house watchmakers. 

For further information about our pre-owned Cartier watches, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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