Cartier is ever more popular these days, particularly among the watch auction crowd, and that means prices are also rising. So, we wanted to look back at some of the most expensive Cartiers ever sold in auction. The list is in no particular order and is missing some sales, like the Cartier Crash that sold for nearly $1 million in the past.
Cartier Victory Clock for Franklin D. Roosevelt – $1.6 Million USD
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Cartier Victory Clock he received as a gift in 1943
This clock was given by Pierre Cartier to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, as he was grateful for America’s engagement in World War II. This legendary Cartier clock was silver, onyx, and nephrite with an 8-day power reserve, showing five time zones; London and Paris, Berlin and Rome, San Francisco, and Tokyo. The Cartier Victory Clock was sold to an American collector for $1.6 million in a Sotheby’s auction over a decade ago in 2007.
Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater – 993,500 CHF
The Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater sold in 2002 / Credit: Antiquorum
This first Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater was sold in 1931 and appears in Cartier’s archives as of 1929. It was sold by Antiquorum in 2002, with the movement supplied by European Watch & Clock Co., a Cartier supplier back in the early 20th century. The gong that chimes the time is activated by the slide on the right of the 18k yellow gold case. It was powered by the M. Cal. 11''' movement that had 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a Breguet balance spring, and was rhodium plated. It also featured Breguet blued steel hands and measured 32 mm in diameter.
Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater – 640,500 CHF
The Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater sold in 2004 / Credit: Antiquorum
This second Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater instead featured the M. Cal. 12 1/2''', that was rhodium-plated, with fausses côtes decoration, 29 jewels, and a Breguet balance spring. It was sold two years after the first Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater, surprisingly for less, and also by Antiquorum. It measured 30 mm in diameter and the movement was also supplied by European Watch & Clock Co.
Cartier 'Model A' Mystery Clock – $515,000 USD
Cartier 'Model A' Mystery Clock / Credit: Doyle
Part of the estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl and sold by Doyle in 2013, this gold, black onyx, enamel and diamond 'Model A' Mystery Clock features an 8-day mechanical movement. Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl, a great-great-granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt, died in 2011, an heiress of her family’s railroad fortune. This Cartier Mystery Clock was made in 1913, the result of a collaboration between Louis Cartier and master clockmaker Maurice Couet. This first ‘Pendules Mysterieuses’ Model A was very popular at the time, mesmerizing for its use of illusion.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ Cartier Tank – $379,500 USD
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ Cartier Tank / Credit: Christie’s
A pretty regular Cartier Tank, made in 1962, this timepiece was notable for belonging to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former First Lady of the United States as the wife of John F. Kennedy. The 18k yellow gold Cartier Tank featured a manual winding movement with 18 jewels and was originally gifted to Jackie by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, in 1963. Jackie was known to wear the watch frequently and it can be seen in many of her photos.
Cartier Rattrapante Chronograph by Patek Philippe – 333,500 CHF
Cartier Rattrapante Chronograph by Patek Philippe / Credit: Antiquorum
And finally, we have a most peculiar Cartier rattrapante single-push botton chronograph that featured a Patek Philippe 13"' manual winding movement and applied gold Breguet numerals. A stunning chronograph, at least in photos, it was made in the late 1930s and featured what was a highly technical rattrapante movement for the time. It was sold over 20 years ago in 1996 by Antiquorum and measured 33 mm.
By: Andres Ibarguen
Read more:
Arnet, Danielle. “Smart Collector: Old scientific instruments popular.” Tulsa World, December 29th, 2007, https://tulsaworld.com/archive/smart-collector-old-scientific-instruments-popular/article_8aecb6c5-836a-5362-957b-345edf3d3408.html.
Traina, Tony. “5 of the most expensive vintage Cartiers ever sold at auction.” Rescapement, July 14th, 2021, https://sub.rescapement.com/p/5-of-the-most-expensive-vintage-cartiers.
“Exceptional Horological Works of Art Lot 60.” Antiquorum, October 19th, 2002, https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/cartier-lot-31-60?page=3.
“Important Collector's Wristwatches Lot 267.” Antiquorum, March 24th, 2004, https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/cartier-lot-49-267?browse_all=1&page=5&q=cartier+tortue.
“Art Deco Rock Crystal, Gold, Black Onyx, Enamel and Diamond 'Model A' Mystery Clock, Cartier, France.” Doyle, https://doyle.com/auctions/13jl02-important-jewelry/catalogue/393-art-deco-rock-crystal-gold-black-onyx-enamel-and.
Shapiro, Rees T. “Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl, heiress, dog breeder and link to golden age, dies at 107.” Washington Post, February 25th, 2011, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/consuelo_vanderbilt_earl_heiress_dog_breeder_and_link_to_golden_age_dies_at_107/2011/02/25/ABChhEJ_story.html#:~:text=Consuelo%20Vanderbilt%20Earl%2C%20a%20great,her%20home%20in%20Ridgefield%2C%20Conn.
“Lot 250.” Christie’s, June 20th, 2017, https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6086058.
“The Magical Art of Cartier Lot 369.” Antiquorum, November 19th, 1996, https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/lot-110-369?page=19.