Any love for Cartier out there?

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Interesting thing about Cartier, in their case it’s not sure it should be really called «neo vintage »,
because they never stopped making the same 1920s designs, while letting them evolve. It’s very much like JLC with Reverso.
 
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I have a roadster and I wanted a Santos for a while. Now I would pick up a Drive de Cartier. Basic but beautiful.

zuTnDK1.jpeg

Photo from cartier:
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pic courtesy of luxurytimenyc:
cartier-drive-de-cartier-extra-flat-watch-38-mm-steel-case-silvered-dial-blue-alligator-strap-wsnm0011-952676_1024x1024.jpg
 
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Another Cartier Santos Carree to add to this thread. This is the 2961 with a gray "ghost" dial. In contrast to the models with white dial and roman numerals, these have a vertically brushed bezel instead of a polished bezel.

 
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Hi there,
I am very much into the aesthetics of Vintage Cartier Tanks... I discovered lately the Cartier Tank Arrondie. Have you ever seen dial variations with and without "chemin de fer"? ... and apparently the secret signature at 7 or 10 does not depend on the size of the Cartier. Both models are GM, i.e. grand modèle, 23x30. I always thought that the PM (petit modèle, 21x28) has the secret signature at 10 and the GM (grand modèle, 23x30) at 7...
Cheers,
Giovanni
 
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Definitely my wife’s favourite watch (per her own opinion) 👍

 
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I am a big fan myself. My grail right now is a london tank from the 60s in "mens" size. I am also a fan of the Santos, though, I think the first iteration of it was the best. I call it a baby royal oak. Here is my french tank and santos carree.

The Cartier Louis, is it the 78086 model?
 
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Just got my two-tone Carree (2961)! Unpolished with only minor scratches ; )

Though the dial does appear to have minor "spider webbing" (ie cracking ). But only visible to the naked eye in certain lightning/angles. How are others' dials holding up? How much of an issue is this? Is there anything that can/should be done to prevent it from worsening? Or is it the type of thing to chalk up the charm of vintage? : )
Edited:
 
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The Caree is nice. But I really think I'd prefer the Galbee
 
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I was at my local pawnshop and the second in charge who dealt with me was wearing a ballon bleu. They should stick with being conservative is my opinion
 
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I’ve had my eye on a piano dial tank for awhile… if anyone had one, let me know! (Photo from Google)
what a nice piece you have here
 
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Really love seeing this model getting some well-deserved appreciation - it’s got that perfect mix of character and elegance. The 38mm from the late '90s definitely hits a sweet spot in terms of size and proportion. The tritium adds just enough vintage charm without trying too hard.


Funny enough, I recently picked up a Cartier for my wife too - not the exact same model, but a vintage piece she had casually mentioned years ago. I ended up buying it duty-free at Heathrow, and honestly, it saved me a good bit versus retail. I wasn’t even planning to shop that day, but I wandered into one of the Heathrow shops during a long layover and saw it just sitting there - classic impulse-meets-fate moment 😄


She was over the moon with it, and now it’s easily her most worn watch. I’ve noticed the same trend you mentioned - Cartier is definitely seeing a resurgence, especially among collectors who value timeless design over flash. And models like the Pasha or the older Tanks are still relatively affordable compared to some of the overhyped sports watches.


It’ll be interesting to see how prices shift over the next couple of years. Right now might be the best time to grab something special before the market catches up.