cartier

The $10,000 Cartier Poker Set

Famed French luxury goods house Cartier has come out with a poker set equaling Asprey's incredible crocodile skin version for opulence. Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, presents their offering to the gentleman gambler in a lockable red and black lacquered Sycamore wood chest with striped sides and a checkerboard pattern on the lid, gold-plated hardware and an Art Deco-style gold Cartier key plate. The interior, lined in black Alcantara like the upholstery on an exotic sports car, holds two packs of Cartier playing cards, 360 chips in five different colors and denominations bearing Cartier logos, and five dice. It's priced at $10,000 so you'll need to have a pretty good poker face.

Tags: cards, Cartier, gambling, games, Paris, poker

Cartier Captive Watch Collection Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It is true that most of the watches I played with at SIHH 2010 were men's watches, but a few stunning women's watches did not evade my grasp. New from Cartier, here are some of their Captive collection watches. The timepieces come in at least two sizes. One is 35mm wide and the largest is about 52mm wide! Wow. One of the images in the gallery below is of it on my wrist just to show you how large it is. The collection comes in either white or rose gold and with various amount of diamonds (full pave anyone?).

To me the chain link style of the watch was a bit kinky. Cartier didn't see this, but couldn't disagree that this might be an additional attraction point to the watch. They see it as "captivating her," I see it as "a really good way to keep her captive." Your own interpretation is welcome. The smaller version makes with just one blued steel hand (for the hours - you can tell the time to withing about 10 minute precision), while the larger version as two hands. The watch faces themselves are small of course in comparison to the rest of the watches. All in all the collection is pretty nice and unique for Cartier. See a bit more detail in a previous article on the Captive collection here. Prices are about $22,100-$96,500.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Cartier Captive watches

Tags: 2010, captive, cartier, diamonds, sihh, watch

The Brands That Chinese Millionaires Love

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wealth

If you are driving a Bentley, rest your left hand gently on the rearview mirror just out the window -- this is how other drivers will notice your stunning Patek Philippe watch. At least, this is how you should roll if you're a millionaire in China.

According to a survey by Hurun magazine, China's wealthy love watches by Cartier and Patek Philippe and like to slip behind the wheel of Bentleys. Vacations in the United States are also favored. But, for cigarettes and first-class flights, Chinese millionaires like to keep it local. Air China tops the list for luxury flights, and Chunghwa is the favorite tobacco, according to Hurun, with Chinese who have at least $1.46 million in wealth. Unlike cigarettes, though, the favorite cigar brand, Davidoff, is from abroad.

The average respondent to the Hurun survey takes 15 days off a year, on average, has three cars and owns five watches that cost at least $10,000 each.

According to Rupert Hoogewerf, chief researcher and founder of Hurun, the Chinese "have a greater awareness of brands." He continued to Bloomberg News, "They are also more international-minded and keener to give their children a foreign education." Four out of five are planning to send their kids to school abroad for high school and beyond, with the United States the preferred destination.

Being wealthy doesn't mean this community is finished coveting. Now that they are taking more time off, 50 percent want to buy a yacht, and 15 percent would love a private jet.

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Tags: bentley, brands, cartier, china, cigar, cigarettes, cigars, davidoff, patek philippe, PatekPhilippe, private jet, PrivateJet, tobacco, yacht, yachts

Cartier Jewels On Exhibit In San Francisco

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Lovers of Cartier jewelry can feast their eyes at the Cartier and America exhibition opening up today at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. The exhibit includes over 300 rare and exquisite jewelry items from the early 20th century Belle Epoque period through the 1970s. Cartier became known as the king of jewelers during the Belle Epoque period and made jewelry for the courts of Europe and Americans of the Gilded Age. The show focuses on the jewelry but also on the famous American who owned the pieces. There are three main themes to the exhibit, the dazzling gems, jewelry owned by movie stars and a display of Cartier's famous Mystery clocks. Pieces featured include items of Princess Grace of Monaco's personal jewelry, including her 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond ring with two baguettes set in platinum, her diamond necklace and signature gold "bird" brooches. The exhibit includes pieces from the private collection of Cartier and has been extended to run through May 9.

[via Israel Diamond Portal]

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Tags: cartier, cartier jewelry, CartierJewelry, jewelry, jewelry exhibition, JewelryExhibition

Cartier ID One Concept Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For once, a concept watch that is actually a concept. In the auto world we know that "concept" means "not for production." In the watch world, "concept" is often just a name stuck on a model to make it sound more exotic. Here "concept" actually means just that. So why all the to-do over this concept watch? Well because it is further proof that Cartier is serious about making not only nice looking watches, but mechanically sophisticated ones as well.

The ID One Concept watch takes a Ballon Bleu shaped case, makes it 46mm wide and constructs it out of a spacey sounding material called Niobium Titanium. It is apparently a special titanium alloy (which is itself an alloy) that is even harder and more wear resistant that titanium. It also apparently has other special (magical) properties. The whole point of the in-house made automatic tourbillon movement was to require as little service and regulation as possible. Regulation refers to what a movement initially goes through to ensure that it functions properly and accurately. Service is continual servicing that is needed in mechanical watches over the years. This can be as simple and lubricating and cleaning part of the watch. The whole point of the Cartier ID One Concept watch is to reduce or eliminate the need for these delicate and time consuming needs. They are also quite expensive (but that makes the watch makers happy as servicing watches is an income source).

Still, there is a shortage of qualified watch makers out there, so Cartier is correct in forging into this needed area of innovation. For others, the "build once and never service again" watch is a holy grail of horological pursuits. Parts of the new Cartier concept watch are made in a material called carbon crystal. This crystal is very shock resistant and does not requite lubrication - adding to a significant decrease in the need to maintain these watches. There are other innovations as well, but I will wait until I meet with Cartier to learn about more of them. The hope for collectors is that such innovations will find their way into production watches in the future.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, Cartier, Concept, ID One, IdOne, SIHH, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay

Stolen Cartier Jewels Recovered

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Crimes and Misdemeanors

Often after a jewelry store robbery the jewels are broken up and disappear into the black market never to be seen again. But police in Lyon, France got lucky. The AP reports that they have recovered nearly 800,000 euros ($1,181,900) worth of jewels stolen which were taken last month from the Cartier jewelry store in the southeastern French city. The jewels were stolen in a smash and grab on November 26 in which thieves rushed in during business hours, used a sledgehammer to break open reinforced glass and then grabbed handfuls of jewelry and watches. Police were searching the apartment of a suspect in another jewelry theft when they came upon the treasure trove of stolen loot. The suspect has not been caught.

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Tags: cartier, france, jewelry, theft

Art Basel Is Fun Again

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Art

Art Basel was fun again this year. After a recession-stained climate last year led to toned down partying, collectors and dealers (and everyone else) was back in style this time around. According to the Wall Street Journal, it seemed like everyone was throwing a party this year, with the likes of Larry Gagosian and Lance Armstrong getting in on the action. And, the parties didn't suck. Hosts went all out -- with live music and other attractions -- to separate themselves from the competition. Some even tried something new, with the words "Everybody has a Damien Hirst" uttered.

Of course, there were enough celebrities in supply to ensure that every host had one to boast about. Scott Stapp, lead singer of Creed, and Russell Simmons, for example, were present at the Mondrian South Beach Hotel. Simmons is a committed collector of works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Barbara Krueger and was in town to raise money for his charity, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

An after-party hosted by Julian Schnabel's art dealer son, Vito, attracted some big names, as well. Peter Brant, an art collector who recently tried to move "Brother Sausage" by Basquiat at auction, was there, along with Abby Rosen.

Yet, there were more intimate dinners and cocktail parties than in past years, according to Art Basel regulars. A few corporate sponsors still made the plunge, including UBS, NetJets and Cartier.

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Tags: art, art collecting, art collection, art collector, art dealer, art exhibit, art exhibits, art fair, art show, ArtCollecting, ArtCollection, ArtCollector, ArtDealer, ArtExhibit, ArtExhibits, ArtFair, ArtShow, basquiat, cartier, damien hirst, DamienHirst, jean-michel basquiat, Jean-michelBasquiat, julian schnabel, JulianSchnabel, Lance Armstrong, LanceArmstrong, Larry Gagosian, LarryGagosian, miami, miami beach, MiamiBeach, NetJets, Parties, peter brant, PeterBrant, russell simmons, RussellSimmons, Scott Stapp, ScottStapp, south beach, SouthBeach, ubs, UbsAg

Cartier Launches Les Heures du Parfum

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Cartier is the latest brand to have created a second line of more exclusive scents grouped around a central theme (others include Chanel's Les Exclusifs and Tom Ford's Private Blends). Cartier's series is titled Les Heures du Parfum and the first five fragrances in the line of 13 were released last month at Saks Fifth Avenue. The scents were created by Mathilde Laurent, Cartier's in-house perfumer, who was given free reign to create distinctive olfactory experiences meant to evoke moods and settings. They are not being released in chronological order. Each bottle features the Roman numeral of the hour it represents.

I: L' Heure Promise--The Promising Hour has delicate notes of petitgrain, iris and sandalwood.
VI: L' Heure Brillante--The Shining Hour has sharp citrusy-herbal notes of lemon and gin.
X: L' Heure Folle-- The Crazy Hour is vibrantly fruity with notes of blackcurrant and blueberry.
XII: 'L'Heure Mystérieuse--The Mysterious Hour intoxicates with touches of jasmine and patchouli.
XIII: 'La Treizième Heure-- The Thirteenth Hour seduces with notes of narcissus, leather and maté.

Each one sells for $250 for 2.5 ounces. Two more will be released each following year.

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Tags: cartier, fragrances, les heures, LesHeures, parfum, perfume, scents

Cartier Captive Women's Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While I rarely say this about Cartier items, this is a weird watch. That doesn't meant I don't like it, but rather that it is extremely avant garde. More so that I would expect from the brand. Torn apart, it is in fact easily placed among Cartier's ranks of highly exclusive haute joaillerie timepieces, but taken at a glance, this is something "different."

The watch is in 18k carat white gold, that interestingly has been rhodium plated. The case is 35mm wide (which Cartier considers large) with a bezel set with many diamonds that continues on to the dial as the hour markers. The watch face is actually quite tiny - with the hands being readable if you look closely. The dial is more art than watch. The elongated hour markers seem to burst in a sunray pattern. The upper lug extends into the face like part of a chain link. Chains hold things together - so perhaps that is how they came up with the "Captive" name.

Cartier gives the watch a canvas gray strap with a matching white gold strap. The watch is curved and comes with a sapphire crystal. Inside the watch is a Swiss quartz movement. A lovely little - and likely highly expensive - model.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Captive, Cartier, haute, joaillerie, watch

Stock up on Jewelry: Hyperinflation on the Way

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Lux Tips

If the fears of hyperinflation are realized, you'll look back with pride on your luxury purchases. All that money you've sunk into custom jewelry and top-of-the-line stones will make you look like an absolute genius. Well, that's the position of South African billionaire Johann Rupert, and I'd take the advice of a guy who can be described that way.

According to Bloomberg News, the told investors, "If we enter hyperinflation, you're going to be so glad that you bought that stuff two months or six months ago." He added, "If inflation picks up, you're going to see people running into your stores, buying high jewelry."

Will inflation cause a mob to form outside the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue? Well, I don't think I'd worry too much about the pushing and shoving, but being ready to throw an elbow probably isn't a bad idea.

Of course, Rupert has something to gain – his company, Richemont, is the world's second largest luxury goods maker (behind LVMH). In his talk with investors in the company controlled by his family, he forecasted "normal growth" with luxury sales showing signs of recovery this month and next.

Tags: billionaire, billionaires, cartier, Fifth Avenue, FifthAvenue, hyperinflation, inflation, luxury goods, LuxuryGoods, lvmh, LvmhMoetHennessyLouisVuitton, Richemont, wealthy

Continue reading “Stock up on Jewelry: Hyperinflation on the Way”

Cartier Les Must Tank and Ronde Solo Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Cartier has just released two new models for its new "Les Must" collection of watches and other luxury goods. This is not the first time the name has been used for a Cartier line, but these products are new - at least that is what Cartier tells us (as the watches look so similar to what has been in the past and present for Cartier). Cartier was never one for mainstreaming complex designs and these two Les Must Tank Solo and Ronde Solo watches pretty much epitomize the elegant simplicity of Cartier. Further still, the watches appear to be simplified versions of Cartier's other Tank and Ronde watches.

Both models have male and female sized versions. I pictured only the male versions because the female versions are almost identical, just a bit smaller. All of the watches have Swiss quartz movements, that most Cartier buyers are OK with. Serious watch lovers tend to prefer mechanical watches, but the perception is that Cartier watch buyers are interested first in the name, second in the look, and third in telling the time. To remove any obviousness of the movements being quartz, Cartier removed the seconds hand so as to prevent the sight of a ticking hand. The cases are in steel and elegantly shaped, though intentionally simplified. This also goes with the steel bracelets.

Aside from that the details are all rank-and-file Cartier. Blue cabochon in the crown, Roman numeral dial, blued sword hands, and the silvered Opaline dial. My feeling is that the collection is meant to be a lower cost selection in response to far lower luxury spending these days. It is wise for Cartier to give its fans something more along the lines of what spending habits have been, to keep them interested in the brand. In a few years we will see higher priced new models once again.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Cartier Les Must watches

Tags: cartier, les must, LesMust, ronde solo, RondeSolo, tank solo, TankSolo, watch

Spielberg Spotted at OPTYX by gruen in the Hamptons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Men's Style

OPTYX by gruen, the newest expansion of grueneyes offering a high-end, carefully curated collection of designer eyewear, scored a hit with selections for its Hamptons locations this summer. Each season, OPTYX by gruen sends a team to travel from New York to Paris, Milan and Tokyo to seek out the latest fashion trends in sunglasses. For the Hamptons this summer, where OPTYX by gruen is one of the sponsors of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge, they selected several key styles for the area's jetset including a timeless, oversized frame from Chanel's Collection Perle calling to mind Jackie O; Oliver Peoples' Harlot Storm frames, bringing together an iconic silhouette with a bold, modern print; and the Cartier Santos Sport Platinum for men, a classic aviator shape with leather and wood detailing. Steven Spielberg scoped out the Hamptons offerings recently, joining the ranks of the boutique's other celeb clientele incouding Martin Scorsese, Kate Moss, Lauren Hutton, Dustin Hoffman, Madonna, Alec Baldwin, and Elton John at their locations in New York City and Greenwich, CT.

Tags: Cartier, Chanel, eyewear, gruen, grueneyes, Hamptons, OPTYX by gruen, OptyxByGruen, steven spielberg, StevenSpielberg, sunglasses

Cartier Hunkers Down For The Long Haul

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Earlier this week during his appearance at the Cartier Polo matches in Windsor Great Park near London with Prince Charles, Cartier's U.K. Managing Director Arnaud Bamberger spoke on the challenges facing the company. Cartier, which is part of the Richemont group, is preparing for the slowdown in the watch and jewelry market to go on for a while longer. Bloomberg quotes Bamberger as saying that he is not sure that the worst is over. He said that the company is doing its best to take actions to protect both the long-term health of the brand and the employees. Some employees in the Swiss watch plant have been moved to part-time work over the summer. Bamberger said that Cartier is in better shape than many companies partly because of the brand's growth in China. As we saw from the recent LVMH numbers, jewelery has become a highly vulnerable area in this economy.

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Tags: cartier, luxury

Jewel Thieves Strike In Cannes

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

The Cartier store in Cannes, France has been the latest victim of the "Pink Panthers" gang. A group of armed robbers in Hawaiian shirts converged on the store in the French Riviera on Monday. The ringleader pulled out a handgun and directed everyone to lie on the floor. His accomplices made quick work of the jewels, watches and other luxury goods in the store and then the entire team took off on motorbikes.

The Pink Panthers earned their nickname in 1993 by stealing a huge diamond from jewelers in London's Mayfair area and hiding it in a jar of face cream similar to the method used in the original Peter Sellers movie. It is believed that members of the gang are former soldiers from eastern Europe. They are known for their feats of daring which are almost cinematic in nature. In 2005 they struck at a jeweler in Saint Tropez and made their getaway by boat. The gang is thought to be a loose network of maybe 200 or so people which has made attempts at capture difficult for law enforcement.

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Tags: cartier, jewel theft, jewelry thieves, JewelryThieves, JewelTheft

Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph Watch

Cartier jumps on the DLC (diamond-like carbon coating) bandwagon, but with something a bit different. They use something called ADLC for this new Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph watch model. ADLC is apparently a superior form of DLC which is known as "amorphous diamond-like carbon" coating. According to Cartier, ADLC is thicker, less prone to finger prints, and overall more "Cartier." No, I just made that last one up, but it is something I can almost hear them saying. At this point I don't know enough about ADLC to comment so I would consider the improvement over normal DLC to be less than substantial, otherwise everyone would be using it. Aside from the use of ADLC coated steel, the fabric strap takes this formal watch to a new sporty level - and the 18k rose gold bezel and other accents looks great against the black on the classic looking Santos design.

The Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph uses the Cartier automatic 8630 movement that is laid out with unique widely placed subdials - something you don't see very often. I like how the hands are relatively bold for a Cartier timepiece, as it is almost strange not seeing them in blued steel. It appears that Cartier retained the crown cabochon crystal - with maybe an onyx as opposed to a sapphire on this watch. Overall the style is a real hybrid between functional sport watches and the formal good looks that Cartier is so well known for. An interesting watch with 100 meters of water resistance that will appeal to enough people I am sure. Price will retail at 22,700 euros.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 100, adlc, carbon, cartier, chronograph, dlc, santos, watch

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