Top 6 best Cartier watches for women
December 16, 2024
Devon Lane
Devon Lane5 min
Cartier has long been recognized as one of the most popular luxury brands for women. The brand takes a distinctive approach, offering most of its watches in different sizes so that everyone can find the perfect model. This versatility makes Cartier watches appealing to both men and women. However, Cartier is also highlighting a separate line created exclusively for a female audience, a strategic move that has strengthened the brand's position in the luxury watch market.From the Tank and Panthère models to the Ballon Bleu and Pasha, Cartier creates timepieces that reflect elegance and luxury in every aspect. Let's take a look at the top 6 best watch models that have turned Cartier into a synonym of femininity and sophistication.
These models illustrate Cartier's commitment to creating truly exquisite timepieces for women, which has made the brand the undisputed leader in this segment for decades. Cartier sets an example for other brands by approaching the women's watch line with original and refined solutions, rather than simply adapting men's models. This careful approach has enabled Cartier to succeed and lead the market in women's watches, inspiring the creation of unique models that meet the high expectations of their wearers.
Cartier Tank women's watch
The Tank watch by Cartier is one of the most famous watches in the world, created in 1917. The Tank was designed in the image of World War I tanks, giving it a unique, recognizable style. Over the last century, Cartier has expanded the Tank collection, adding many variations, but has retained the key features that make this model a legend. The main one is the rectangular case with thick vertical sides, which Cartier calls brancards (French for “stretchers”) and which flow seamlessly into the lugs of the watch.Bleached silver dial with Roman numerals. The minute markings in the shape of railroad tracks, the blued steel Breguet hands, the pearl-shaped crown decorated with a cabochon-cut sapphire. All these details have become Cartier Tank's signature features. The model has many variations, making it suitable for both men and women. Famous Tank models include the elongated Tank Cintrée and Tank Americaine, the minimalist Tank Solo and Tank Must, and the classic Tank Louis Cartier. For those who prefer solid models, there is Tank Anglaise and Tank MC. However, the most popular women's model remains the Tank Française, first introduced in the 1990s and updated in 2023.The Tank Française is a refined watch with a square dial and bracelet chain, available in steel, gold (yellow, pink and white) or a two-tone version combining steel and gold. The Tank Française watch is also available with diamonds as an option for luxury lovers.Cartier Panthere women's watch
Cartier Panthère, named after the graceful panther, debuted in the mid-1980s and has since become one of Cartier's most recognizable timepieces. Its unique feature is a bracelet with “brick” links that closely mimic the panther's graceful movements. The Panthère watch's appearance is emphasized by its square case, dial and bezel decorated with visible screws. At first glance, the design is similar to the Santos model (which we'll talk about next), but the Panthère jewelry bracelet turns it into a true work of art.In addition to the classic five-link bracelet model, Cartier offers several versions of Panthère bracelets, from double-wrap models to wide cuffs, which give the watch a refined look and make it a real piece of jewelry.Comparison of Cartier Tank and Panthere models
The Tank and Panthère are two of Cartier's most popular women's watches, and yet they are really similar in appearance. Let's take a look at their similarities and differences to see what makes them unique.Both models have quadrangular cases, but the Tank has a more angular appearance, while the Panthère is characterized by soft, rounded edges. The Tank comes in a variety of shapes (long, short, curved), while the Panthère's proportions remain constant, only the dimensions change. The Panthère also has rounded corners on the dial and bezel, which gives the watch a softer, more feminine look. In addition, the Panthère crown is fitted with protective pads, whereas the Tank does not have them.The main difference is the bracelet. The Panthère watch is equipped with a unique bracelet with a “brick” pattern of links, reminiscent of a piece of jewelry. Tank, on the other hand, offers different options: leather straps or classic three-link bracelets with wide central links.Ultimately, the Panthère is the choice for those who prefer a more dressy and elegant watch, while the Tank remains an icon of classic and casual.Cartier Ballon Bleu women's watch
Cartier Ballon Bleu is a relatively new collection that emerged in the mid-2000s, becoming one of the brand's refined and original lines. The pebble-shaped case is complemented by a curved sapphire crystal that emphasizes the unique convex shape of the model. The name Ballon Bleu is derived from the blue stone on the crown, which seems to “float” inside the case, giving the watch a refined and airy look.Like other Cartier ladies' models, the Ballon Bleu is available in a variety of sizes, materials, dial colors and movement types. Depending on the version, some models are equipped with a date window, while others are not. As well as metal bracelets, the Ballon Bleu is also available with leather straps, which adds to the variation and allows you to find the perfect style to match any look.Cartier Pasha women's watch
Not everyone knows that the Cartier Pasha was designed by the famous Gerald Genta, the same craftsman who designed the iconic Royal Oak and Nautilus. Launched in the 1980s, the brand claims the Pasha watch was created by a designer inspired by a mythical clock for the Pasha of Marrakech, who was very fond of water treatments.The Pasha de Cartier combines sporty style with Cartier's refined elegance, making it truly unique in the sports watch segment. This watch is distinguished by its unusual Vendôme-style crown and cabochon crown.The main features of the Cartier Pasha include a round case, a square minute track, Arabic numerals and a protective cap on the crown attached to the case by a small chain. Of particular note are the Pasha models with a removable grille on the dial, a reference to the original model created in the 1930s, which adds a unique historical charm to this collection.Cartier Santos women's watch
Cartier Santos is an iconic model of the brand, created in 1904 especially for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This watch allowed him to tell the time without taking his hands off the controls of an airplane, which was much more convenient than using a pocket watch. In the late 1970s, the design of the Santos was updated to match the style of the era, and they have remained one of Cartier's key models ever since. They are characterized by a rounded square case, a bezel with visible screws and a metal bracelet also decorated with screws.Today, Santos are most often positioned as a men's model and are part of the Cartier GADA collection. However, there are also a number of women's versions of the Santos, both vintage and modern. These include the smaller, sporty Santos de Cartier with metal bracelets and the sophisticated Santos-Dumont with leather straps that emphasize their elegance and style.Cartier Ronde and Rotonde women's watch
The Cartier Ronde and Rotonde watches feature a classic round case, and each collection has its own unique character. Ronde de Cartier offers refined, minimalist models suitable for those who appreciate elegant simplicity. While Rotonde de Cartier is known for its sophisticated movements and original solutions.One of the most impressive models is the Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour, which features an unusual hour and minute display where the hands seem to float in the air, creating the illusion of movement without a visible mechanism. Cartier masterfully uses crystal disks driven by a hidden mechanism to make the hands move across the dial, creating a true “mystery”. The Rotonde collection also features jewelry masterpieces set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones, highlighting Cartier's true art and craftsmanship in creating high-end timepieces.Other Cartier watches for women
In addition to the most famous women's models, Cartier has for decades created other outstanding timepieces that deserve special attention.Cartier Tortue
Introduced in 1912, the Tortue model was named for its tortoise shell-shaped case (tortue is French for “tortoise”). It has become a symbol of elegance and timeless style.Cartier Baignoire
Also designed in 1912, the Baignoire (meaning “bathtub” in French) model stands out for its oval-shaped case, reminiscent of the refined lines of a bathtub, which gives the watch a unique and elegant look.Cartier Crash
The history of the Cartier Crash is surrounded by legends. For a long time, it was believed that their asymmetrical design was the result of a car accident, when one client's watch melted in the crash. However, according to Francesca Cartier Brickell, the watch was created by her grandfather, Jean-Jacques Cartier, in 1967. Today, the Crash is one of the most sought-after models among both men and women.Cartier Privé и CPCP
In 1998, Cartier introduced the Cartier Prive Collection Paris (CPCP), a limited edition collection featuring reissues of unique models from the brand's archives. The modern edition of the Cartier Privé line also offers historically significant pieces that will be a centerpiece of any Cartier connoisseur's collection.These models illustrate Cartier's commitment to creating truly exquisite timepieces for women, which has made the brand the undisputed leader in this segment for decades. Cartier sets an example for other brands by approaching the women's watch line with original and refined solutions, rather than simply adapting men's models. This careful approach has enabled Cartier to succeed and lead the market in women's watches, inspiring the creation of unique models that meet the high expectations of their wearers.
Devon LaneAuthor of the article
