Watches

Vintage Cartier: A Record-Breaking $15 Million Sale at Sotheby’s Starting April 24

By Eva Morletto09 avril 2026

Sotheby’s is hosting an exceptional auction: more than 300 vintage Cartier watches, spanning nearly a century of iconic designs, will be offered with a total estimated value of over $15 million (€14.1 million) starting April 24. The collection offers a unique overview of Cartier’s watchmaking history and heritage.

The auction highlights the strong heritage that Cartier has cultivated, a key factor in maintaining its reputation over time (Shutterstock)

Titled “Les Formes de Cartier: The Finest Vintage Collection Ever Assembled,” the auction is designed as an international tour: it will begin on April 24 in Hong Kong, then continue in Geneva and New York between May and June.

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A Collection Built Over 25 Years

Among the most remarkable pieces to be auctioned is a rare 1987 Cartier London Crash in yellow gold, a legendary model celebrated for its bold design and asymmetrical silhouette, which single-handedly symbolizes the house’s avant-garde spirit. The watch is estimated to fetch between 377,000 euros and 754,000 euros.

The sale will also feature other iconic models such as the Santos, the Tank, and the Panthère. Each model reflects the meticulous attention to detail, craftsmanship, and timeless style that define the brand.

This event highlights the strong heritage value cultivated by Cartier, a key element that helps maintain its standing over time and attract the interest of collectors across all generations.

This announcement comes at a strategic moment, just days before the opening of Watches and Wonders Geneva, the must-attend event for luxury watchmaking taking place next week in Geneva.

A Booming Market for Vintage Luxury Watches

For enthusiasts and collectors, this auction represents a rare opportunity to own pieces that tell the story of a century of watchmaking innovation. The brand reaffirms its strong brand identity, capable of uniting heritage, modernity, and desirability.

The sale of this collection is part of a notable expansion in the market for vintage and pre-owned luxury watches. According to various estimates, the global luxury watch market was valued at approximately $57.8 billion in 2025, with expected growth to around $62.3 billion in 2026.

In the specific segment of high-end pre-owned and vintage watches, according to a study by Grand View Research, the global market was estimated at just over $24 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach approximately $45 billion by 2030, with projected annual growth of about 9.2%. This growth is driven by buyers’ interest in rare and heritage pieces, as well as the success of certified resale platforms.

Key Points:

• Sotheby’s is auctioning over 300 vintage Cartier watches, with an estimated value of over $15 million.

• A 1987 Cartier London Crash, an iconic model, could fetch up to 754,000 euros.

• The market for vintage and pre-owned luxury watches is growing rapidly, driven by demand for rare pieces and investment opportunities.

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