When it comes to timepieces, few brands have earned a place like Cartier, with designs that endure beyond time. From the It-girl-approved Panthère to the royal-adored Tank, famously worn by Princess Diana, we look at the most iconic Cartier watches you should have on your wrist.
Cartier Tank
If ever asked which Cartier watch is most popular for ladies, the answer will be the Cartier Tank. It is Cartier’s best-seller, beloved by royals such as Princess Diana and fashion icon Jackie Kennedy for its minimalist appearance and timeless style.
It was first designed in 1917 by Louis Cartier. Its rectangular shape was famously inspired by the top-down view of the Renault FT-17 tanks used during World War I, with the sidebars—called brancards—representing the tank’s treads. The Tank has evolved through the years and has seen many variations, including the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Américaine, and the Tank Française, to name a few.
Cartier Panthère
Known as the ‘ultimate jewellery watch’, the Panthère de Cartier remains one of the Maison’s most iconic designs. First introduced in the 1980s, it was discontinued in the early 2000s and is famous for its signature brick-lay bracelet.
The Honourable Lady of Oman, Sayyida Ahad, was spotted wearing one of its latest creations: the new 2025 Panthère de Cartier watch with a zebra- and tiger-inspired coat motif; it is definitely a piece of art.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a relatively new model that came out in 2007. It has already attracted royalty and a number of A-list celebrities, including Catherine, Princess of Wales.
It features a classic round face with an integrated sapphire cabochon crown, which adds a modern twist, distorting the Roman numerals while paying homage to Cartier’s classic codes of watchmaking.
It is now one of the maison’s most iconic timepieces. With 76 models under the Ballon Bleu name, it is the perfect traditional round-faced watch with a hint of unique charm.
Baignoire de Cartier
The Cartier Baignoire is not merely a watch; it is a quiet rebellion wrapped in elegance. With its unmistakable oval silhouette, it has long stood apart, its name—French for “bathtub”—a nod to the soft, elongated curves of its case.
Its story begins in the early 20th century, when Louis Cartier envisioned something different. At a time when round watches defined the norm, he chose to break away, crafting an oval timepiece that felt both daring and refined. Legend has it that this first creation was designed as a gift for the Russian Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna.
Over the decades, it has gently evolved, embracing modern touches while never losing the grace and character that made it so distinctive in the first place.
