Celebrities who have worn a Cartier watch

For nearly 180 years, Cartier watches have become synonymous with elegance and prestige, a dazzling symbol of French watchmaking excellence. The world’s most famous wrists have contributed to the brand’s radiance. Indeed, Cartier has captivated a wide circle of influential personalities over the decades, including prominent figures from the worlds of entertainment, politics, royalty, and culture. The Cartier watch has thus become an icon, worn by stars both past and present. From royalty to pop culture icons, each wearer has added a page to Cartier’s history—and today, it is this mosaic of faces that continues to shape its prestige

Cartier watches immerse themselves in the heart of French luxury

 where art, design, and technical mastery intertwine with virtuosity. This legendary maison has created timepieces that are as much aesthetic masterpieces as they are horological feats. The hallmark of Cartier watches lies in their extraordinary ability to blend timeless elegance with bold, innovative forms.

Cartier dials are often adorned with Roman numerals, an iconic graphic signature that invites a journey through time, evoking European watchmaking tradition with rare sophistication. This choice of typography—both classic and majestic—harmonizes perfectly with enamel, guilloché, or lacquered dials, meticulously crafted to capture the light and enhance every glance cast upon the watch.

Blued hands, featured on many models, add a touch of delicate refinement. Their azure hue, achieved through an extensive thermal process, enhances readability while enveloping the watch in a discreet, precious aura—quintessentially French in character.

Cartier cases assert a strong and singular identity. Whether it’s the iconic rectangular shape of the Tank, the square form with rounded corners of the Santos, or the smooth, flowing curves of the Ballon Bleu, each watch tells a unique story. Unconventional shapes, perfectly balanced, defy standard styles to establish a bold aesthetic instantly recognizable. The choice of materials further reflects this marriage of tradition and innovation: polished steel, yellow or rose gold, platinum, and even delicately set diamonds interact with the forms to create a visual spectacle of rare elegance.

This journey into the world of Cartier is also a voyage into technical mastery. Behind every aesthetic detail lies rigorous research to ensure reliability, precision, and comfort. Each watch thus becomes the perfect reflection of Cartier’s genius: a subtle alchemy of pure artistry and mechanical perfection, making every model an essential symbol of timeless luxury and sophistication.

A long history of icons and personalities

A long history of icons and personalities

Cartier’s reputation in the world of luxury watches is inseparable from the famous personalities who have worn its creations, starting with the legendary Tank collection. Created in 1919 by Louis Cartier, the Tank was inspired by the geometric shapes of World War I tanks, combining clean design with an exceptionally elegant line.

More than just a timepiece, the Tank quickly became a symbol of refinement, worn by historic figures. The artist Andy Warhol, renowned for his pioneering role in the Pop Art movement, famously said he never wound his Tank, wearing it simply because “it was the watch to wear.” This testimony perfectly illustrates the aura of the model.

One of the most famous wearers of the Tank was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, wife of President John F. Kennedy. Gifted in 1963 by her brother-in-law, this watch, engraved on the back, was later sold at auction for over €340,000, making it the most expensive Cartier watch ever sold.

The legendary boxer Muhammad Ali also wore a Tank JC, a testament to the diversity and symbolic power of this iconic watch.

Royalty, Power & Symbols

Edward VII of England famously said that Cartier was “the jeweler of kings, and the king of jewelers.” Indeed, the brand holds a special place in royal courts and princely families, particularly in England. Napoleon III, Nicholas II, as well as the courts of Spain, Belgium, Greece, and Monaco have all called upon this prestigious maison to create royal adornments, and Cartier watches have often been favored by European monarchies.

The style icon, Princess Diana, elegantly wore a Tank, foreshadowing the style of her daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton. Since 2014, the Princess of Wales has worn a Ballon Bleu watch, a gift from Prince William for their third wedding anniversary. Prince Harry, meanwhile, has been seen wearing a Santos Dumont, one of the brand’s iconic models, in tribute to aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Royal collections have also shown a preference for other prestigious Cartier models. Queen Letizia of Spain has been photographed wearing an elegant Panthère, while Princess Caroline of Monaco particularly favors the Baignoire models, recognizable by their distinctive oval shape.

Contemporary Celebrities and Movie Stars

Among modern icons, Michelle Obama remains a devoted ambassador of the brand, wearing the Tank Française throughout her eight years as First Lady. Her watch even accompanies her official portrait at the White House, a discreet symbol of power and style.

The music world is no exception, with figures such as Rihanna, who stands out with the Ballon Bleu—a model combining lightness and refinement, perfectly embodying her bold and exacting style.

The world of cinema has also greatly contributed to Cartier’s legend. Hollywood’s most cherished actresses have repeatedly chosen the French watchmaker. Angelina Jolie, for instance, swears by the Tank: Tank Louis, Tank Must, Cartier Tank Française… The watch, with its gold dial and leather strap, is a constant companion, reflecting her preference for pieces that tell a story and integrate naturally with her public image, rather than opting for ostentatious designs.

Some Cartier watches have also graced the wrists of actors on the silver screen. From Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor, Cartier creations have appeared in over 500 films. The first appearance dates back to 1925, when Rudolph Valentino refused to film The Son of the Sheik without his Tank on his wrist—anachronism be damned!

Legendary actor Clark Gable wore a Tank in the 1932 film The Beauty of Saigon. The Tank also became a favorite accessory of Audrey Hepburn, immortalizing the elegant and understated style characteristic of Cartier.

More recently, the Cartier Santos was prominently featured in the film Wall Street (1987), worn by Michael Douglas. This gold electric watch symbolized the character’s wealth and power. It was also noticed on the wrist of French actor Jonathan Cohen, whose character wore a gold Santos in Sentinelle, perpetuating Cartier’s presence in major cinematic productions.

Sports icons have also embraced Cartier creations. Formula 1 driver Alain Prost was a devoted fan of the Pasha, while tennis star Roger Federer has been seen wearing a Ronde de Cartier, a classic and timeless model. The brand’s automatic collections, particularly the automatic Tank range, are highly prized by top athletes for their reliability and elegance.

Cartier’s partnership with the Venice Film Festival is a striking demonstration of the brand’s cultural commitment and its deep connection to the film industry.

Auberi's services for your Cartier watch.

Auberi's services for your Cartier watch.

At Auberi, we place the highest importance on providing comprehensive support to our clients who choose a Cartier watch. To this end, we offer:

Maintenance and repair services: complete servicing, replacement of worn parts, water-resistance checks, and repairs certified by expert watchmakers.

Personalized advice: guidance toward the model best suited to your lifestyle, taking your tastes and needs into account.

Warranty and follow-up: extended manufacturer warranty and after-sales support to ensure the optimal longevity of your watch.

These services are available in all our boutiques on the Côte d’Azur and through our online platform.

Our Auberi boutiques, exceptional places to discover Cartier.

Our boutiques, located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, are dedicated to lovers of luxury watches and prestigious jewelry. They offer a wide selection of Cartier models, including the latest releases and limited editions.

Our teams of professional watchmakers welcome you warmly, with the passion and expertise that define Auberi, to provide a unique experience: personalized try-ons, technical advice, and detailed presentations of each timepiece. Whether you are looking for a Cartier watch for women or men, our advisors will guide you toward the perfect model.

For collectors and enthusiasts of horological complications, we also offer exclusive models such as the Santos Skeleton, a true technical feat revealing the beating heart of the mechanism, and the Tank Américaine, an elegant, elongated variation of the original model.

Our boutiques also provide high-end after-sales service, a guarantee of trust and quality to preserve your Cartier watches over time.

Cartier watches continue to captivate the world’s greatest celebrities, transcending eras with timeless style and unmatched technical mastery. Whether within royal circles, among music and film icons, or in the political sphere, wearing a Cartier remains a mark of distinction and refinement.

Wearing a Cartier watch is joining a community of elegance and excellence where every detail matters. With Auberi, experience this in an exclusive setting and benefit from comprehensive support that enhances every moment spent with your Cartier timepiece on your wrist.

Whatever your favorite model, we invite you to come and discover these exceptional pieces in our boutiques and to benefit from our expertise in choosing or maintaining your Cartier watch.

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