International News
Sotheby’s To Sell $15m Collection Of 300 Vintage Cartier Watches
300 Vintage Cartier Watches Offer An Exhaustive Retrospective Of The Maison’s Horological Mastery
Sotheby’s is proud to announce the landmark auction of “The Shapes of Cartier: The Finest Vintage Collection Ever Assembled.” Amassed over 25 years by a single visionary connoisseur, this unprecedented collection of more than 300 vintage Cartier watches offers an exhaustive retrospective of the Maison’s horological mastery, from its early 20th-century origins to its most avant-garde mid-century experiments.
With a total estimated value exceeding $15 million, the collection will be offered in stages across Sotheby’s “Important Watches” sales in Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York. The journey begins on April 24 in Hong Kong, perfectly timed to coincide with the heightened global focus on luxury watchmaking during the upcoming Watches and Wonders Geneva.
Cartier has long been defined by its “shape-led” philosophy, prioritizing distinctive silhouettes—the Tank, Santos, and Panthère—that have become cultural icons. This collection highlights the specific, rare outputs of Cartier’s historically independent workshops in Paris, London, and New York, focusing on the era when the brand’s creativity was at its most experimental.
The headline lot of the Hong Kong sale is a 1987 Cartier London Crash in yellow gold. Believed to be one of only three examples produced that year, this legendary asymmetrical model—a symbol of “Swinging Sixties” nonconformity—is estimated to fetch between $400,000 and $800,000.
Other notable pieces include:
- Cartier Decagonal, London (1970–71): A rare 10-sided yellow gold watch. Estimate: $60,000–$80,000.
- Tank Asymétrique, London (1992): An 18k white gold parallelogram-shaped case. Estimate: $60,000–$80,000.
- Cartier Driver’s, London (1966–67): A deeply curved rectangular design for ergonomic wrist placement. Estimate: $50,000–$80,000.
- Cartier Octagonal & Baignoire Variations: Elusive silhouettes reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of the London workshop.
This auction arrives amid a significant surge in the global market for pre-owned and vintage luxury watches. Current projections value the global luxury watch market at approximately $62.3 billion in 2026, with the high-end pre-owned segment expected to reach $45 billion by 2030.
Driven by an annual growth rate of 9.2%, collectors across all generations are increasingly viewing rare heritage pieces not just as fashion statements, but as stable, long-term investments. “The Shapes of Cartier” represents a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire pieces that bridge the gap between historical significance and modern desirability.
International News
GJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
The Opportunity In New Zealand Is Significant Relative To The Current Level Of Jewellery Trade. India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To New Zealand Rose 50.56% To US$25.46 Million In FY2025-26, From US$16.91 Million In FY2024-25.
The GJEPC trade delegation’s Auckland programme has highlighted the scope for expanding India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand as the two countries move towards implementing their recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Auckland visit was part of GJEPC’s Australia and New Zealand trade delegation, held from 20-26 August 2026, with the delegation focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with buyers and industry stakeholders across the two markets.
The opportunity in New Zealand is significant relative to the current level of jewellery trade. India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand rose 50.56% to US$25.46 million in FY2025-26, from US$16.91 million in FY2024-25.
The recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA is expected to create further opportunities for Indian exporters. New Zealand has committed to duty-free access for Indian exports across 100% of its tariff lines once the agreement enters into force.
On 26th August, Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC and leader of the delegation, met Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. Mangukiya has said the delegation was aimed at bringing Indian manufacturers and exporters closer to buyers and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand, with the objective of identifying new business opportunities and developing long-term partnerships.
The delegation’s Auckland market visits covered a broad cross-section of the local jewellery sector, including Michael Hill, Wallace Bishop, Hardy Brothers, Prouds, and Partridge Jewellers. The delegation also observed international luxury and contemporary jewellery brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Messika and FOPE, reflecting the competitive environment in which Indian exporters would be seeking to establish or expand relationships.
India’s exports of individual jewellery categories to New Zealand also recorded strong growth in FY2025-26. Gold jewellery exports rose 84% to US$17.47 million, while silver jewellery exports doubled to US$0.91 million. Lab-grown diamond exports rose 2% to US$0.63 million, and imitation jewellery increased 13.16% to US$0.43 million. Cut and polished diamond exports were US$5.76 million.
The figures underline the growing contribution of finished jewellery to India’s New Zealand business. With the FTA expected to improve market access and the Auckland market showing demand across gold, diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and branded jewellery, GJEPC’s delegation is seeking to convert this existing growth into deeper commercial relationships.
-
National News1 day agoMMTC-PAMP Appoints Sidharth Malhotra As Brand Ambassador
-
International News1 day agoGJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
-
National News2 days agoWAMIQA GABBI Appointed First National Brand Ambassador Of EVERLITE BY SENCO
-
International News2 days agoGuyana Targets Gold and Jewellery Hub Status By 2030
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.