Over the past 20 years, I have seen countless vintage watches.
I have been involved in this world since collecting pocket watches at age 15, studying the structures of mechanical watches, and becoming fascinated by movements and the skills of watchmakers.
Ante currently focuses on introducing vintage Cartier.
The reason is not simply that I like the Cartier brand.
After looking at a wide variety of watches for many years, Cartier became a brand I could not leave out.
My Criteria for Evaluating Watches Changed Through More Than 20 Years of Experience
When I first became interested in watches, I was drawn to movements and complicated mechanisms.
However, as I spent more than 20 years engaging with vintage watches, my criteria for evaluating them gradually changed.
Something you can use with confidence every day.
The ability to continue repairing it for many years.
And a design that does not look dated even after decades.
I came to feel that watches loved for many years share these qualities.
And Cartier was one of the brands whose appeal I felt most strongly.
Vintage Cartier Designs Loved Across Generations
Cartier’s iconic Tank was created in 1917.
Even now, more than 100 years later, its fundamental design shows no sense of age.
The beauty seen from the front.
Its beauty when worn on the wrist.
The case line viewed from the side.
Very few watches are beautiful from every angle.
A watch, yet also a work of craftsmanship and a piece of jewelry.
This consistent design philosophy, which does not fade even as times change, is one of Cartier’s greatest appeals to me.
Cartier Is Not a Watch Chosen Solely for Its Movement
In the world of vintage watches, movement rarity and complicated mechanisms are sometimes highly valued.
Of course, that is also one of a watch’s great appeals.
On the other hand, when looking at Cartier, we do not judge a watch’s value based solely on its movement.
The case design.
Its beauty when worn on the wrist.
The way it feels to wear and its ease of use.
And the ability to use it for many years while continuing regular maintenance.
We believe Cartier’s appeal lies not only in its movements, but in the overall refinement of the watch as a whole, including all of these elements.
Regarding the relationship between Cartier and its movements, 「Cartier is not a watch chosen for its movement.」 We also provide a more detailed introduction.
Why Vintage Cartier Can Be Used for Many Years
A watch is not complete at the moment you purchase it.
10 years from now.
20 years from now.
We believe that being able to continue using a watch even further into the future while maintaining it is what leads to its true value.
Many vintage Cartier watches use movements with relatively simple structures, and numerous examples have been cherished for many years with proper maintenance.
Even today, some vintage models can be taken to Cartier’s authorized service centers for advice on repairs and maintenance.
Even a watch that has already endured many years can be considered for continued use well into the future.
This is one of the things I consider extremely important when choosing vintage Cartier.
Ante shares this same philosophy, preparing each watch for sale with not only its current condition in mind, but also the repairs and maintenance it may need after purchase.
Why I Have Continued to Choose Cartier After More Than 20 Years of Looking at Watches
Now, after many years of looking at watches, what I believe matters is very simple.
A watch is,
Beauty.
Ease of use.
Something that can be used for many years while continuing to be repaired.
And a design that will still look beautiful decades from now.
To me, Cartier is a brand that allows you to appreciate all of these qualities at the highest level.
That is why Ante currently focuses on introducing vintage Cartier.
It is not simply because they are popular, nor because the brand is famous.
After looking at, handling, and continuing to study a wide variety of watches for more than 20 years, these are watches we will want to continue introducing to our customers in the years ahead.
When choosing vintage Cartier, what we believe matters more than price is explained in 「What Matters More Than Price: How to Choose Vintage Cartier」 We also provide a more detailed introduction.
Why Ante Introduces Vintage Cartier
An excellent vintage watch is not valued solely for its complicated mechanism or rarity.
Designs loved across generations.
Something that can continue to be maintained for many years.
Something you will want to wear even decades from now.
We want to introduce vintage Cartier watches while cherishing all of that and staying close to you in the years ahead.
