Cartier 1970s Large Stepped Case Mechanical Wristwatch
View Similar Items
Cartier 1970s Large Stepped Case Mechanical Wristwatch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Place of Origin:Switzerland
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Repaired.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU946331432
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- Jaeger LeCoultre for Pierre Cardin 1970s Large Steel Mechanical WristwatchBy Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1970s Mid Century Wrist Watch for Pierre Cardin, 47 X 30 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece case. Jaeger LeCoultre 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual Wind movement, original silver satin di...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Patek Philippe Large White and Yellow Gold Stepped Case 1920s WristwatchBy Patek PhilippeLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1920s Patek Philippe Wrist Watch, 39 M.M. Lug end to end X 29 M.M. 18K White and Yellow Gold 2 Piece Hinged Stepped case with slight Flared Lugs. Me...Category
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- LeCoultre Yellow Gold Vintage Fancy Flared Case Mechanical WristwatchLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1950 LeCoultre Wrist watch, 32 M.M. 14K Yellow Gold 2 piece case with Flared Lugs and Flared case mountings. 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind nickle lever movement. Black dial ...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials14k Gold
- Cartier 1970s Scarce Yellow Gold and Diamond Mechanical Ladies Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1970s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 30 X 21 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with Cartier Factory set Round Brilliant cut diamonds totaling .40 Carat. Cartier Inc. 17 Jewel Nick...Category
Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Gubelin 1970s Rare Midcentury Large Cuff Quartz WristwatchBy GubelinLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1970s Gubelin Cuff Wrist Watch, 39 X 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 piece case with water resistant back, Quartz Movement, Silver Satin and Mirrored finish dial with raised markers,...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Ebel Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Large Manual wind Wristwatch, 1970sBy EbelLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1970 Ebel 18K Yellow Gold Wrist watch, measuring 6 3/4 inches in length with a slight wrist fitting curve and 1 5/8 inches wide. Set with sections of fi...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsLapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
- Mechanical Silver Clock, 1970sLocated in Stockholm, SEThis vintage wristwatch has a mechanic clockwork. The bracelet is made out of sterling silver and it closes simply with a hasp. Its black dial is made out of enamel. You set the time...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches
MaterialsSilver
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Yellow Gold Vintage Mechanical Wristwatch, circa 1970By Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Square bark textured case, with a ...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Lady's Platinum Diamond Mechanical WristwatchLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). The rectangular dial with Arabic nu...Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
- Cartier Panthere Large 18K Yellow Gold WristwatchBy CartierLocated in Geneva, CHCartier Panthere Large Mens Watch. 29mm 18K yellow case with 18K yellow gold bezel. Off-white dial with blue steel hands and black Roman numeral...Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Rare Cartier Jumbo Watch 1970sBy CartierLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRare Cartier jumbo TV screen watch, 18k gold. Original strap, buckle, ca' 1970's. Fresh service by Cartier.Category
Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Gubelin Ladies 18 Karat Texture 1970s Swiss Watch MechanicalLocated in Berkeley, CAModern and classic women's gold wrist watch. It has an elegant rectangular dial on a textured gold bracelet, Swiss made and timeless design. The movement is beautiful and works well,...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.