TryGOLD- Free

History in the Remaking
Robb Report Singapore|July 2023
How Cartier’s new vintage programme restores and resells) coveted watches and jewellery.
- Paige Reddinger
History in the Remaking

VINTAGE CARTIER HAS always been a hot commodity, and the Parisian jeweller has always sold a selection of such pieces in its flagship boutiques. But with the secondary market through the roof in nearly every luxury sector, the house has decided to up the offering. “We have a huge demand with a lot of requests from clients,” says Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s longtime director of image, heritage and style.

The commercial vintage programme, known as Cartier Tradition, officially began in 1996 and was conceived by Rainero, who has been with the company in various roles since the 1980s. It has grown from a handful of pieces to an inventory large enough to fill a wing of an exhibition space.

While some items are still displayed behind vitrines in-store, most of the pieces, ranging in price from US$20,000 and up, are shown to select VIP clients around the globe during high jewellery presentations.

Highlights include a grandiose turquoise necklace set in 18k yellow gold from 1956 and a diamond-and onyx bird brooch from 1929 with a tilted citrine as its centrepiece. “The idea of putting that stone at a certain angle to create a position or an attitude or posture was born from that specific stone,” says Rainero. “I like that because it shows a way of creating that is very Cartier.”

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Robb Report Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Robb Report Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROBB REPORT SINGAPOREView All
Gordon Ramsay Makes it Rain
Robb Report Singapore

Gordon Ramsay Makes it Rain

The famed British chef and TV host hasn’t held on to three Michelin stars at his flagship restaurant for 23 years simply by screaming. Alex French unearths the secret to his worldwide domination.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 2025
The Weight Of Tradition
Robb Report Singapore

The Weight Of Tradition

Maximilian Riedel reflects on balancing the weight of a 260-year family legacy with modern innovation, steering a historic brand into the future while honouring its rich heritage.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Balancing Thrills
Robb Report Singapore

Balancing Thrills

Lotus’s first electric Hyper-GT, the Emeya S, delivers thrilling performance, luxury and practicality in a striking package.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Burn Calories, Not Carbon
Robb Report Singapore

Burn Calories, Not Carbon

Luxury fitness equipment purveyor, Cycling Bears, proves that sustainability is more than a buzzword-it’s a lifestyle that we need to espouse for the sake of posterity and ourselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Cool As Ice
Robb Report Singapore

Cool As Ice

Mercedes-Benz’s brainy, down-to-earth CEO Ola Källenius is an expert at racing a nearly 4-ton truck across a frozen lake. Can he steer the marque’s electric vehicle-focused future as adeptly?

time-read
10 mins  |
February 2025
VINCENZO CASTALDO
Robb Report Singapore

VINCENZO CASTALDO

The creative director of Pomellato delves into the artistic and personal philosophies shaping his life and work.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Electric Shock
Robb Report Singapore

Electric Shock

Porsche finally adds hybridisation to the 911 with the all-new GTS, and enthusiasts are, predictably, up in arms. But how does it actually drive?

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Swing Into Luxury
Robb Report Singapore

Swing Into Luxury

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN you combine one of Singapore’s most prestigious golf courses with a luxurious five-star resort? You get a hole-in-one golfing escape like no other.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Don't Bid Adieu Yet
Robb Report Singapore

Don't Bid Adieu Yet

The Vicem 65 Classic, offered in both fibreglass and cold-moulded wood, is a sophisticated vessel imbued with anachronistic panache.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
STRAIGHT OUT OF ORBIS
Robb Report Singapore

STRAIGHT OUT OF ORBIS

Roger Dubuis has never been one to play it safe, and the Orbis in Machina shows why

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more