Cartier’s legacy may be over a century old, but its relevance never fades. The maison’s watches have long graced the wrists of royalty, and today, they’re just as coveted by a new generation of tastemakers—from K-pop idols (a different kind of royalty, but we digress) to Hollywood heavyweights.
Whether it’s the rebellious Crash or the ever-classic Tank, Cartier proves that timeless design always finds a fresh face.
Below, five iconic timepieces and the stars who can’t stop wearing them.
Cartier Crash
With its warped, asymmetrical silhouette, the Cartier Crash is a surrealist statement piece first introduced in 1967. Once a niche collector’s grail, it has gone (relatively) mainstream—if you consider a waitlisted, ultra-rare timepiece “mainstream”—thanks to a new wave of celebrity devotees.
Who owns one? Kendall Jenner owns a special order Cartier Crash in white gold with a salmon dial—a vintage-coded, ultra-luxe take that only adds to the model’s low-key cool. Blackpink’s Jisoo, a Cartier ambassador, was spotted donning on her Cartier Crash to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace—a fitting setting for a watch steeped in legacy and iconoclasm.
Cartier Tank
If the Crash is Cartier’s rebel, the Tank is its royalty. Designed in 1917 and famously worn by everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol, the Tank remains a red-carpet mainstay and a style essential across generations.
Who owns one? Style icon Heart Evangelista owns a maroon red Tank Must, gifted by designer and close friend Michael Leyva—an effortlessly chic choice that reflects her signature elegance. At the 2023 Met Gala, Jackson Wang paired the Cartier Tank Cintrée Skeleton with his black, jewel-studded Louis Vuitton ensemble, letting its openworked sophistication take center stage.
BTS’s V—ever the aesthete—has been seen wearing a gold Tank Louis Cartier with a black strap, while Hyunjin of Stray Kids brings his own flair with a both red- and black-dial versions of the same model.
Panthère de Cartier
More than a watch, the Panthère is an attitude. Originally introduced in the 1980s and revived in recent years, the Panthère de Cartier walks the line between jewellery and timepiece, making it a favourite amongst the fashion-forward crowd.
Who owns one? From Madonna to Princess Diana, it’s long had a star-studded following. Today, Bella Hadid wears hers like a second skin—whether she’s lounging around at home or drilling a swing in her backyard (true story). Dua Lipa and Zendaya have both been spotted wearing their Panthère in off-duty looks with characteristic ease.
Filipino-American model and Victoria’s Secret angel Kelsey Merritt elevates her everyday outfits with the small yellow gold Panthère. And Taylor Swift? She’s been spotted cheering at Travis Kelce’s games, wrist adorned with a diamond-studded version.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier
Launched in 2007, the Ballon Bleu is a modern classic, defined by its rounded pebble-like case, Roman numerals, and a signature sapphire cabochon crown encased in a smooth arch. It’s a subtle yet striking design that appeals to those who appreciate understated elegance.
Who owns one? Naturally, Jisoo owns several—ranging from stainless steel to white leather straps—each reflecting a different facet of her refined personal style. South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok, also a recently announced Cartier ambassador, has also been seen in the Ballon Bleu.
And perhaps most famously, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is known to pair her stainless steel Ballon Bleu with clean silhouettes.
Santos de Cartier
Originally designed in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was one of the world’s first pilot watches—and one of the first wristwatches ever made for men. With its square case, exposed screws, and sporty-meets-sleek appeal, it embodies functional elegance and a spirit of adventure. Over a century later, the Santos remains one of Cartier’s most versatile and enduring icons.
Who owns one? Rihanna wore her gold Santos while grocery shopping in Los Angeles, because, well, Rihanna. (Of course, the watch’s blend of masculinity and glamour fits her effortlessly.)
Hyunjin also rocks a Santos-Dumont model with a black lacquered bezel and matching strap—a look that aligns perfectly with his fashion-forward, often androgynous aesthetic.
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