Hotly anticipated amongst the releases and launches at Watches & Wonders every year, Cartier is certainly the brand that likes to throw in a surprise to shock even the most seasoned of collectors. We have covered previous W&W releases of the Cartier Privé Collections in years gone by, the Tank à Guichets in 2025 and the Tortue in 2024. It only seems fitting then, that we explore the latest release marking Cartier’s 10th editions of Privé since its reboot of CPCP.
This tenth edition however, sees something different. Instead of relaunching one collection from the archives, the Maison has launched no less than six new editions to celebrate this milestone. Seen by many as a ‘best of’ Privé collection, these six watches encapsulate a ‘trio exceptional’ of the Tank Normale, Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir and Crash Squelette in a skeleton design – each cased in platinum with ruby crowns and burgundy accents.
The second trio of the six are cased in 18 carat yellow gold, comprising a Tank Normale, Cloche de Cartier and a Tank Cintrée, accented with golden dials and grey crocodile straps. Pricing has not been released for these six models at the time of writing.
The Return of the Roadster, and the Tortue
Additions to the main collection include the Roadster and the Tortue, to be include in store in a variety of sizes and materials.
The Roadster returns to the main collections after a long hiatus. Debuted in 2001, this watch has been out of the main collection for fourteen years. With a tonneau shape case, this model has been released in two sizes and seven variations. Pricing will reportedly be from $9,300 for the midsize steel to $57,000 for the gold (Hodinkee).
Tortue
Following its 2024 Privé appearance, the Tortue has now been added to the main collection. Reimagining the 1912 design with modern detailing and high jewellery finishes, the 2026 Tortue will be available in yellow, rose and white gold, as well as diamond editions with an emphasis on jewellery craftsmanship. Pictured below is a limited edition example launched at W&W. This Panthère Mêtiers d’Art Tortue Watch is available in white and yellow gold, each limited to 100 pieces, decorated with champlevé enamel to the case and dial, set with onyx and tsavorite garnet to the Panthère’s eyes and push down crown.
Santos Updates
The much-loved Cartier Santos has also seen updates. Most notably, a reworked bracelet in the yellow gold Santos Dumont with obsidian stone dial, made from 394 components – evocative of the jewellery-level finishing that the brand is so celebrated for (see Cartier’s Love Unlimited launch, and new Clash De Cartier launches for this renewed brand-wide emphasis on individual links and components in fine jewellery production).
The Santos De Cartier Chronograph has been updated with a strong focus on design clarity and performance.
Jewellery focussed watch releases include a new aesthetic for the ever-popular Baignoire, enhanced with the emblematic Clous de Paris motif covering the surface of the case and bracelet – available in yellow gold and gem-set, with a diamond dial and reverse-set diamonds to the exterior.
Last but not least, the Myst De Cartier forms a sleek, sculptural addition to the new releases. The bracelets have no clasp, and are formed from bead settings threaded onto a flexible bracelet, using stones and enamel of various sides to create an architectural feel.
The many exciting releases at this year’s Watches & Wonders displays a wealth of creativity and homage to iconic, savoir faire designs. Celebrating their jewellery-making prowess and incorporating it into their watchmaking offerings, from updated bracelets to stunning bracelet-watches, these releases really display what Cartier does best, in a generous and unbridled display of offerings across the collections. For those with vintage Cartier watches, CPCP Cartier watches, or contemporary pieces – we would recommend a re-valuation every two to three years to ensure adequate cover.
Liz worked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter for one of the UK’s leading regional jewellery auction houses whilst completing her FGA and DGA qualifications from the Gem-A, achieving top marks in each.