The Cartier watch division is one of the most well-known luxury watchmakers in the world. The company has been around for over a century and makes some of the most beautiful watches you’ll ever see.
Best UK Cartier replica watches come in all shapes and sizes, but generally fall into one of seven categories: rectangular, square, oval cushion, round cushion, curved square (or “pebble” shaped), round ball shape, or curvy rectangle (these are also known as “drive” shapes).
This variety of shapes when it comes to watch cases is attributed to Louis Cartier’s history in jewelry design. He believed that your watch is a piece of jewelry and should be designed in such a way that the size, shape, proportions, and harmony of all its parts should reflect that.
Let’s explore the many shapes of Cartier and their often unique names.
Louis Cartier and His Mastery of Shapes
Louis Cartier, the luminary behind the Cartier brand, was not just a jeweler to the kings and a king among jewelers, he was a revolutionary in the world of watchmaking. His mastery over shapes was not experimentation but a bold declaration that perfect UK Cartier fake watches could transcend their traditional forms to become pieces of wearable art. Cartier’s foray into unique shapes began early in the 20th century, as he ventured beyond the round watch faces that had dominated the market.
The inception of shapes like the Tortue in 1912 and the Tank in 1917 showcased his ambition to integrate aesthetics with functionality, creating timepieces that were both innovative and iconic. For instance, the Tank Asymetrique’s design was not only about challenging traditional aesthetics but also about offering a new perspective on readability and ease of use, particularly for drivers.
The Tank (rectangular)
This shape is a legend designed in 1917. Cartier was inspired by the release of the first pictures of the tanks used in World War I, more specifically the Renault Tank FT that was used by the French. The large treads running alongside the massive machines can be seen in the lateral brancards (vertical sides) of the watch case. The case itself resembles the turret. So as not to take away from the simplicity of the design, the lugs and case stayed flush.
The Tank was an inspiration for many lines of high quality replica Cartier watches in this rectangular shape: Tank Anglaise, Tank Louis Cartier, Tank Americaine, Tank Francaise, Tank MC, and Tank Solo.
The Santos and Panthere (square)
The Santos and Panthere styles are among the most versatile cheap Cartier copy watches, which can shift from dressy to casual. The Santos was the first watch Cartier created to be worn on the wrist in 1904 – more specifically for the pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont. The pioneer aviator wanted to be able to tell the time while in the cockpit without having to fuss with pulling out a pocket watch.
This face is square with a straight shape or rounded corners. With its square shape and exposed screw, it ushered in a new era of Swiss made replica Cartier watches as it became available to the public in 1911.
The Santos has a classical look that can make any outfit look more sophisticated and dignified. It is also suitable for people with small wrists, as its size makes it easy to wear.
The Panthere has a similar aesthetic as the Santos but with a slimmer case design and longer lugs. With its link bracelet, it is also dressier take on the Santos – in fact, it was the choice “jewelry watch” of the well-heeled set in the 1980s.
The Tonneau
Created for the first time in 1906, the Tonneau was one of the first wristwatches released by Cartier. Named for the French word for barrel, its thin curved case, resembling its namesake, was designed to fit the wrist ergonomically.
At the time, this was a completely innovative shape that has been copied by many a watchmaker since.
It was labeled the ultimate dandy watch because it’s the epitome of sophistication and elegance. A big step away from the sports and military AAA fake Cartier watches that men sported on their wrists.
The Tortue
The Tortue (French for tortoise) is a shape that resembles that of a tortoiseshell, hence the name. It was introduced in 1912 and became one of Cartier’s most famous models alongside the Santos. Originally designed as a dress watch for men, it has taken the watch world by storm and is a popular shape for men and women. With no chronograph pushers, the curves of this case remain unblemished.
One of the most expensive top Cartier replica watches, the Cartier Tortue XL Grand Complication is valued at over $500,000. With extra features like a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and chronograph, this sought after shape speaks volumes about the design capabilities of Cartier.
The Tank Cintree and Americaine (curved rectangular)
The Tank Cintrée and Tank Americaine are both curved rectangular watches. The former was designed by Louis Cartier and introduced in 1921, where he elongated the rectangular case into a slightly convex form. The Tank Cintree is widely considered to be the most elegant watch that Cartier ever designed, and also one of the most comfortable. The sleek, long curves hug the wrist to perfection.
The Tank Americaine, released in 1989, was largely inspired by the Cintrée. The later part of the decade ushered in the era of larger luxury Cartier super clone watches, and Cartier wanted to create a version of the Tank that would look and feel more substantial on the wrist. It came with a few updates from the Cintrée: the case back sits flat on the wrist; and it is also thicker to accommodate the automatic movement inside.
The Baignoire (oval)
The story of the Cartier Baignoire began in 1912, when Louis Cartier took the traditional round watch shape and stretched it, creating two parallel lines enclosed by curves. The replica Cartier watches for sale was presented to one of Cartier’s top clients, the Russian Grand Duchess Pavlovna, and it remained an exclusive model for the next four decades.
In 1957, the Baignoire was made commercially available, but the name Baignoire didn’t come around until 1973. Cartier updated the shape in 2009 by tightening the curved case. The 2009 model gave nods to the case of the 1950s with its sleek lines, but tightened the oval for a more modern edge to the classic favorite.
The Tank Francaise (square inside a rectangle)
This relatively new addition to the Tank family emerged in 1996. This design is a true, strict square accomplished by integrating the case with the bracelet. Continuing the nod to the 2024 Cartier Tank replica watches that inspired the first rendition, the edges of the bracelet are indented further bringing those treads into the iconic shape. Softer angles are achieved through beveled the corners, giving the Tank Francaise a contemporary and sportier appeal.
The Pasha and Ballon Bleu (round)
The designers dug into the archives of the Maison and found a design that appeared in 1943 to influence the China Pasha de Cartier fake watches collection. It is characterized by a round case with four Arabic numerals and sword-shaped hands on the dial. Another iconic feature is the screw-down cap on the crown with a small chain attached to the case.
In 2007, Cartier created another circular watch with a convex case on the front and back – the Ballon Bleu. The convex nature of the crystal magnifies the numerals on the dial making reading easy. The winding crown is fully integrated to the case under another round piece of precious metal, inspiring the name Ballon Bleu, which is French for “blue balloon”.
The Cle (round cushion)
Cartier wanted to create another unique design that still gave a nod to the classic round watch shape. It’s all about the curves with this shape. The result was the Clé de Cartier, whose name comes from the winding crown that they integrated completely into the curve of the case. Clé in French means ‘key’.
This ergonomic design creates more of a key function than a crown and adds a new level of ease to the winding and time and date functions of the replica Cartier watches for men. A gentle twist changes the time and date. When you push it back in, it always snaps back into place parallel to the case.
The Drive (curved square)
The Drive is one of Cartier’s most iconic pieces today because of its unique shape and design elements. It has become an inspiration for many other brands who try to recreate its look without success. This distinctive men’s watch has a large face that maintains tension for a truly unique feel.
The Crash (deformed)
The Crash is a round watch with a crescent-shaped case, designed to be worn on the inside of the wrist. It’s also known as la Croissette in French and comes from the word “crash,” which means “deformed” or “broken.”
There’s an interesting legend behind the creation of this shape. A patron brought a damaged watch in for repair in London after it was melted and distorted in a fatal car crash. The head of Cartier, Jean-Jacques Cartier, saw the new shape of the watch and thought it was impressive. The crash watch is a blend of shaped watches and non-conformity. This Cartier fake watches shop was made in limited editions and is now quite the collector’s item.
A new edition was designed and released in 2015 with a modern skeleton design showing its complex movement.
Pebble-shaped watch
This limited edition watch nods back to the original Swiss made replica Cartier Pebble watches from 1973. It represents the feelings of excitement following the Swinging Sixties, which was a period of creation all throughout London, and Cartier was no exception.
The pebble shape is a conglomeration between the classic round and Cartier square shapes. The round case hugs a square (or diamond) dial with blue sword-shaped hands and stunning Roman numerals.
The Cartier Cloche
Originally introduced in the 1920s, its name and shape draw inspiration from the striking silhouette of a service bell. This avant-garde design is not only a testament to Cartier’s bold aesthetic choices but also highlights the brand’s ingenious approach to functionality. When laid on its side, the Cloche’s dial orientation allows it to serve a dual purpose, transitioning seamlessly from a sophisticated wristwatch to an elegant desk clock.
This dual functionality underscores Cartier’s philosophy of blending practical utility with luxurious design, making the Cloche a coveted piece among collectors and aficionados. Its rarity and distinctive shape have solidified its status as one of Cartier’s most iconic and innovative timepieces, embodying the spirit of elegance and ingenuity that defines the brand.
The Cartier Tank Asymetrique
The best quality replica Cartier Tank Asymetrique watches, first unveiled in 1936, represents a daring evolution in the storied lineage of the Tank collection. With its asymmetrical case that rotates the dial by 30 degrees, the Tank Asymetrique was designed for optimal readability while the wearer’s hand is on the steering wheel, showcasing Cartier’s commitment to merging aesthetic beauty with practical considerations.
This watch not only broke conventional norms with its slanted dial but also echoed the Art Deco movement’s influence on design, characterized by bold geometric shapes and a distinct departure from traditional forms. The Tank Asymetrique is a prime example of how Cartier has continuously pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, offering a piece that is as much a work of art as it is a functional timepiece. Its innovative design speaks to those who appreciate the harmony between unconventional beauty and practical elegance, making it a timeless classic in Cartier’s illustrious portfolio.
The Cartier Tank Basculante
Introduced in 1932, the Cartier Tank Basculante offers a unique take on the concept of a reversible watch. Inspired by the demands of the sporty and active lifestyle of its era, the Basculante features a mechanism that allows the watch case to flip over, protecting the crystal and dial. This innovative design was Cartier’s answer to the growing need for a watch that could withstand the rigors of sports without sacrificing the elegance and style synonymous with the brand.
The slim profile and refined aesthetics of the Basculante distinguish it from other reversible Cartier fake watches wholesale, showcasing Cartier’s unparalleled ability to integrate functionality with luxury design. The Tank Basculante’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of practicality, with its protective flipping case, and its timeless elegance, securing its place as a cherished model among collectors and enthusiasts of fine watches.
The Cartier Tank Obus Savonette
A lesser-known but equally fascinating model is the Tank Obus Savonette. This timepiece is characterized by its rounded corners and a cover that flips open to reveal the watch face, reminiscent of traditional pocket watches. Its design is a nod to Cartier’s heritage, blending the classic with the contemporary in a manner that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The Cartier Santos Octagon
The online replica Cartier Santos Octagon watches enriches the iconic Santos collection with a unique geometric twist. Its distinct octagonal bezel sets it apart, blending Cartier’s traditional elegance with modern design sensibilities. This variation honors the original Santos de Cartier’s legacy, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the collection’s signature features such as exposed screws and seamless bracelet integration.
The Santos Octagon is a modern homage to Cartier’s pioneering spirit, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation within the framework of its rich heritage. It embodies the sophistication of the Santos line with a contemporary edge, making it appealing for those who value both heritage and distinctiveness in their timepieces.
The Cartier Ceinture and Cristallor
The 1:1 cheap fake Cartier Ceinture watches, introduced in the 1920s, features a square case with cut corners, creating a shape reminiscent of a belt buckle, which is where it gets its name (“ceinture” is French for “belt”). The Cristallor, on the other hand, showcases a sleek, rectangular design that embodies the Art Deco movement’s influence on Cartier’s creations. Both models exemplify Cartier’s dedication to creating watches that are not just timekeepers but pieces of art that reflect the wearer’s individuality and Cartier’s enduring legacy of innovation.
Cartier Watch Shapes – Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you understand more about the different shapes of Swiss Cartier replica watches store and where they come from. Truly, no other brand has mastered the use of different shapes in watchmaking than Cartier.