You don’t need to be a crazy rich Asian to know that when it comes to luxury shopping, it’s all about the in-store experience. With pre-owned and vintage timepieces, though, this is rarely the case, since independent third-party dealers and private owners have all but cornered the market, and your retail experience could range from adequate at best to straight-up overpriced, or fraudulent at worst. Which is a huge injustice considering the beautiful craftsmanship and heritage behind these timeless treasures. But if you’re a Cartier aficionado, you can kiss those dog days goodbye.
Recognising the need to give its historical models a platform that befits their rarity and esteem, Cartier has taken the decision to include vintage models at selected boutiques around the world, retailing them alongside the latest Santos, Pasha, Tank creations—an unspoken gesture that shows the maison holding them in equal regard.
It’s a big step for Cartier, one that began in London, followed by Paris, and now Singapore at the Ion Orchard flagship boutique. In recent years, luxury watchmakers have gradually taken interest in the pre-owned watch market, and other brands that have begun retailing pre-owned and historical pieces include Richard Mille, FP Journe, Vacheron Constantin, MB&F, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, and Zenith.
The selection will comprise vintage references from the 1970s, and retro models from the 80s and 90s, all the way to out-of-production pieces from the 2010s. You can also look forward to watches classed under the following themes: Collection Louis Cartier, Atelier de Paris MCHP (Manufacture Cartier Horlogerie Paris), Collection Privée Cartier Paris (affectionately abbreviated CPCP), and Pasha High Complexity.
Expert Selection
According to Cartier, the watches are sourced and restored by experts from its Image, Style and Patrimony division presently headed by department director, Pierre Rainero. Working with trusted partners from watch fairs, as well as specialised retailers and internal teams, to authenticate the timepieces, Cartier tags an impressive eight-year service warranty along with a brand new authenticity certification to every watch—it’s basically the full service right down to the maison’s signature red box.
Here are the first six timepieces offered at the launch of Cartier Vintage in Singapore. All but one fully sold out on the first day.
A veritable portfolio that comprises many of Cartier’s most memorable creations, Cartier Vintage also pays tribute to the many shapes and styles the maison had established through the decades. Having produced watches for more than 100 years, let’s just say that there is no shortage of Cartier watches out there waiting to be uncovered.
From the Tank to the Santos, from the Tonneau to the Tortue, you’re essentially looking at what could well be the ultimate Cartier timepiece library for the luxury watch connoisseur.
