Why Vintage Cartier Watches Hold Their Value Over Time

December 16th, 2024

Sell Cartier Watch: Why Vintage Models Are Valuable


If you've ever planned to sell a Cartier watch, especially a vintage one, this question might have crossed your mind.

"Since it's vintage, will I get a great price if I sell my Cartier watch?"

Well, the answer to that is yes, but there's more to that answer than you know. Cartier has long been known as one of the most prestigious names in the world of watches, so it’s no surprise that their vintage models can be worth quite a bit.

But what exactly makes these older pieces so special? Let’s break it down.

Sell my Cartier Watch: Used Cartier Santos Ronde in stainless steel
Pre-owned Cartier Santos Ronde in stainless steel with a white Roman numeral dial, automatic movement, sweep seconds, date, 33mm case, and Cartier deployant buckle. 

 

What Makes Vintage Cartier Watches Valuable?

Let's take a closer look at what makes these vintage Cartier watches as valuable as they are today:

Brand Prestige

Buying and owning a Cartier watch doesn't just mean buying an elegant timepiece. You're buying into a brand with a long history of quality and luxury.

Cartier’s reputation is part of what makes its watches valuable, even decades after they were first created.

People are willing to pay a premium for a piece of Cartier history. Especially when the Cartier watch is from a limited collection or features rare craftsmanship only seen in a few models.

Craftsmanship and Materials

Cartier doesn’t cut corners when it comes to materials.

Whether it's high-quality 18-carat gold, platinum, or even shiny diamonds, you'll see that they're all of superb quality. Every watch is also made with attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.

Which is why even people who may not know of the brand will still regard it as highly valuable. The price of the materials and the expert craftsmanship all add to the overall value of the watch.

Rarity

Simple market logic. The lower the supply, the higher the demand, and the higher the market value.

Some Cartier models are only produced in limited numbers. As fewer of these watches remain on the market, their price can increase. If you own a rare or limited-edition vintage Cartier, you could be holding a small treasure.

Collectibility

As with any luxury item, collectors are always looking for pieces that will grow in value. Cartier watches, especially vintage ones, are often considered collectibles.

A dedicated Cartier buyer will be willing to pay a huge price for a vintage watch just to complete their collection.

The reason here is simple. The rarer and unique the model, the higher the demand of collectors who are always looking for something special to add to their collections.

 Sell my Cartier Watch: Used Cartier Mini Panthere Art Deco
Pre-owned Classic Cartier Panthere W25034N3 watch, crafted from yellow gold with an 18k bracelet and 18k Deployant buckle.

 

What Affects the Value of Vintage Cartier Watches?

Before you try to google "Cartier buyers near me" after reading the previous section, you should know that there are other factors (other than being vintage) that will affect the price of your watch.

These are:

Condition

If your Cartier watch is in excellent condition, with minimal scratches or damage, it will be worth more.

A watch that still has its original parts (like the strap, crown, or dial) will be valued more for its authenticity. Especially if it's preserved so well that it looks brand new.

If you have the watch's original packaging and paperwork, even better! Some collectors like to have the complete set.

Model and Year

Some Cartier models are more valuable than others. Classic pieces like the Tank or the Santos often hold their value well.

The year the watch was made also plays a role, as certain periods in Cartier’s history saw the creation of particularly sought-after models.

Market Trends

"When do I sell my watch?" is another question you might ask. And the answer lies in the current market trend.

Like any luxury item, the value of vintage watches can change based on market demand.

Sometimes, there may be a surge in interest for vintage Cartier models, which could make it a good time to sell.

Keep an eye on the current trend to see if it's the best time for you to sell your watch.

How to Sell My Cartier Watch?

Here are some tips for getting the best price:

Do Your Research

Look up your watch and see its current value in the market. You can see what prices they are sold for at auction sites, online marketplaces, and more. This will help you determine your starting price.

Get It Appraised

The next step is to have a professional take a look at your watch. Experts can tell you exactly how much it’s worth based on its condition, rarity, and other factors.

Keep Your Watch Safe

While you're looking for the right buyer, make sure that you are keeping your Cartier watch in its best condition.

Don't take it to a cleaner or attempt to clean it yourself. You, or the cleaner, might end up damaging the item which will affect its value.

Keep it in a safe box (or in its original packaging) where it won't get scratched or dented.

Sell my Cartier Watch: Used Cartier Pasha 38mm in 18k yellow gold
Pre-owned Cartier Pasha 38mm in 18k yellow gold featuring an ivory Arabic dial and rotating bezel. Automatic movement with sweep seconds and date function. 38mm case size.

 

Sell Us Your Jewelry: The Best Place to Sell Cartier Watch

You have a lot of options when it comes to the places where you want to sell your watch. You can do a quick search on Google or type "Cartier buyers near me", and tons of results will pop out.

Common places where you can sell are on eBay or even at auction houses, but these places have their own pros and cons.

For one, eBay lets you handle your own listing, but scammers are rampant on these sites. As for auction houses, their prices might be great, but keep an eye out for their hefty fees and commission prices.

So, which is the best place to sell your Cartier watch?

SellUsYourJewelry.com is the official online buying platform of Gray & Sons Jewelers. And they've been buying Cartier watches and other jewelry items since 1980. Their vast experience as well as their simple process makes us your best choice of where to sell your watch.

Ready to sell your Cartier watch? Get a free quote for your watch and our team will assist you throughout the entire process.

For further info about our selling process, you can read our guide here.

A Quick Look at Cartier’s Legacy

Cartier is a name that carries a lot of weight in the world of luxury. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the brand quickly became famous for its elegance, creativity, and precision.

Over the years, Cartier has become known for making some of the most iconic watches. This includes the Tank, Santos, and Ballon Bleu collections.


 

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