Cartier opens new Sydney flagship boutique – here are 3 watches to check out

Zach Blass

Cartier is, at least in my opinion, the hottest watch brand right now. Whether it’s the Cartier Crash London that sold for over US$1M, Tyler, The Creator’s recent flex of his armful of vintage and modern references from the storied brand, or the fact that the general consensus of the watch media at Watches & Wonders was that Cartier had the most exciting and intriguing array of releases, Cartier is definitely on an upward trajectory from an already high position within the market. The good news is, for folks in Sydney, a new flagship boutique has just opened up at 388 George St.

With such a vast catalogue of references, I could wax poetic for pages and pages of all my favourite references from Cartier today. So, after much restraint, I decided to curate three watches you should try to check out in the metal upon your first visit – from steel, to two tone, to full precious metal across three different pillar collections for some spice and variety.

Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat Large

The Tank Must collection presents the most affordable Tank models, but this particular model has a really neat twist. A great entry piece into the Cartier catalogue, the Tank Must SolarBeat, available in small and large sizes offers a classic design uncompromised by highly modern tech. Quartz watches are already highly hassle-free, with no need to worry about winding the watch up. But, most quartz batteries die in a few years – requiring a replacement to be installed. But thanks to the incorporation of solar technology, the Tank Must SolarBeat will not require a battery swap for 16 years. So, the only times you will need to touch the crown are when you travel across time zones or have to adjust according to daylight savings. Through a photovoltaic movement, which is charged via sunlight exposure to the dial, the battery within is able to recharge extending its life. Sunlight is able to reach the movement thanks to teeny tiny slits in the Roman numerals of the dial, which you would never notice unless you were told where to look. Considering there is no deadbeat central seconds hand to reveal it is quartz-powered, and the fact it utilises solar technology, this reference has appeal even to the highest degree of watch snobs. Also, the environmentally and animal-welfare conscious will appreciate its vegan leather strap as well.

Price: AU$4,400 (incl. GST)

Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium

A descendant of the original pilot’s watch, named after famed aviator Albert Santos Dumont, the Santos de Cartier is yet another timeless classic from Cartier that is faithful to its heritage while incorporating some very attractive modern features. The Santos de Cartier is now more robust than ever, with double the water-resistance of previous models at 100 metres. It is also more aesthetically versatile than ever, with all Santos de Cartier models offered with a leather strap and metal bracelet that feature Cartier’s “QuickSwitch” interchangeability system. Furthermore, the “SmartLink” system on the bracelet allows you to add and remove links simply with your fingers – no strap tool or screwdriver is necessary. While some feel two-tone is a ’90s aesthetic, it is beginning to make a comeback and the Santos de Cartier is a certified two-tone icon. Multiple sizes are available, but I personally like the medium the best.

Price: AU$14,700 (incl. GST)

Cartier Baignoire

Proportional to other collections and designs within the Cartier collection, the Baignoire is relatively young being first introduced in 1957. While it is lesser known than Cartier icons like the Santos and Tank, the Cartier Baignoire has already amassed a large fan base with celebrities from Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider and Jeanne Moreau to more modern celebrities like Emma Chamberlin and Tyler, The Creator all known for wearing the elegant elliptical watch. With most watches round or squared/rectangular, when a brand is feeling adventurous, the ellipse form of the Baignoire offers a charming change of pace that will certainly be a conversation starter in and out of watch meetups.

Price: AU$16,300 (incl. GST)

For directions to the new Cartier flagship boutique in Sydney, I have embedded its location below.