CARTIER
BAGUE SOLITAIRE CARTIER TANK
2 200.00 CHF
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Buy a certified pre-owned Cartier watch or jewel at The Swiss Collector
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier is one of the world's most iconic luxury houses. Jeweller to kings and watchmaker to the elegant, Cartier has embodied for over 175 years the perfect alliance between artisanal craftsmanship and timeless design. A pioneer of the wristwatch with the Santos in 1904, the Parisian house continues to set the codes of luxury through its iconic collections. At The Swiss Collector, we offer a carefully selection of pre-owned Cartier watches and jewellery, so you can access Cartier excellence with complete peace of mind.
History of Cartier : 175 Years of French Elegance
Parisian Origins (1847)
In 1847, Louis-François Cartier took over his master jeweller's workshop in Paris. His son Alfred developed the watchmaking side of the business, before his three grandsons (Louis, Pierre and Jacques) transformed the house into an international empire. Louis settled in Paris, Pierre in New York, Jacques in London. Together, they made Cartier a truly global house.
From the early 20th century, Cartier became the official jeweller to numerous royal courts, including the British Royal Family in 1902, earning the legendary title of "jeweller of kings, king of jewellers."
1904 : The Santos Revolution
In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont asked his friend Louis Cartier to design a watch he could read without letting go of his aircraft controls. The result : the world's first wristwatch, with a square case, Art Deco Roman numerals and exposed screws on the bezel. The Santos entered series production in 1911 and remains one of Cartier's best-selling watches to this day.
The Tank and the Great Icons (1917–1970)
In 1917, inspired by Allied tanks on the front, Louis Cartier designed the Tank. Its rectangular shape and clean lines made it an instant classic. Worn by Andy Warhol, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Yves Saint Laurent, the Tank became far more than a watch, a cultural symbol.
The following decades saw the birth of further icons : the Panthère (1914), the Love bracelet (1969), the Trinity (1924) and the Pasha (1980s), each becoming an emblem in its own right.
Cartier Today
A member of the Richemont group since the 1990s, Cartier now produces its own manufacture calibres and perpetuates a unique artisanal heritage. The house remains one of the world's most recognised luxury brands, with a presence in over 125 countries.
Collections & Iconic Models
Key References & Secondary Market Values
WSSA0018 Santos de Cartier Large Steel Automatic
CHF 5,500 – CHF 8,000
WGSA0017 Santos de Cartier Large Rose Gold Automatic
CHF 18,000 – CHF 28,000
WSTA0040 Tank Must Large Steel Quartz
CHF 2,500 – CHF 4,000
W69012Z4 Ballon Bleu 42mm Steel Automatic
CHF 4,500 – CHF 7,000
W2BB0022 Ballon Bleu 42mm Rose Gold Automatic
CHF 14,000 – CHF 22,000
Values vary based on condition, presence of box and papers, and model rarity. Contact our TSC experts for a precise estimate.
Cartier vs Other Luxury Houses : Which to Choose ?
Cartier
Is the only major house to excel simultaneously in watchmaking AND jewellery. Its watches appeal to both women and men, setting it apart from virtually all competitors. Cartier's value is highly stable over time, with models such as the Tank Solo and Ballon Bleu having risen by around 15% between 2021 and 2025.
Rolex
Offers watches more oriented towards sport and precision, with strong secondary market liquidity but a purely horological universe.
Audemars Piguet
Targets enthusiasts of high complications and avant-garde design, with significantly higher entry prices.
Our TSC verdict
If you're looking for an elegant, timeless watch or jewel with international recognition, Cartier is the ideal choice. The Tank and Santos also offer excellent liquidity on the secondary market.
Cartier & Celebrities
The Cartier Tank is among the most worn watches by iconic personalities in contemporary history :
- Jackie Kennedy Onassis : wore her Tank Vermeil constantly
- Andy Warhol : passionate Cartier Tank collector
- Alain Delon & Yves Saint Laurent : French icons of the Tank
- Princess Diana : an unconditional fan of Cartier creations
- Elton John : great admirer of Cartier jewellery pieces
- Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid : de facto ambassadors of the Santos and Love bracelet for new generations
Buying Guide : Pre-owned Cartier at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : pre-owned Cartier watches start from CHF 1,500 for vintage quartz models, and from CHF 4,500 for iconic automatic references such as the Santos or Ballon Bleu.
- Watches or jewellery : TSC offers both Cartier watches and jewellery (Love bracelets, Trinity rings, Panthère necklaces).
- Condition : every piece is graded (excellent, very good, good) with high-definition photographs.
- Authentication : case, movement, dial, engravings and serial numbers verified by our experts.
- Box & papers : their presence significantly increases resale value.
- TSC Guarantee : all our pieces come with The Swiss Collector warranty.
- Servicing : our partner workshop handles servicing and maintenance of your Cartier watches. Contact us for a personalised quote.
- Secure delivery : fully insured and tracked shipping.
Servicing & Maintenance of a Pre-owned Cartier
Recommended service interval
Cartier recommends a service every 3 to 5 years for automatic movements, and every 5 to 7 years for quartz movements.
Signs of good preservation
Smooth crown, verified water resistance, dial free from humidity marks, original bracelet links.
At TSC
Our partner watchmaking workshop handles complete servicing of your Cartier watches, disassembly, cleaning, replacement of worn parts and aesthetic restoration. Contact us for a personalised quote.
“Cartier embodies timeless elegance and French luxury. Its creations, whether in watchmaking or jewelry, reflect unparalleled craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. For lovers of iconic and quality pieces, Cartier remains a benchmark. As an investment, Cartier is a safe bet. Tank watches, the Love or Trinity collections—these pieces remain highly desirable and in great demand.”