AuctionsSep 30, 2022
Red Diamond Earns $1.8M at AuctionWatchesOct 03, 2022
‘Unicorn’ Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $1.1M
One of only four in existence, it more than doubled its pre-sale estimate at the Sotheby’s Paris auction.
The Cartier Cheich watch, one of four in existence, sold for $1.1 million at Sotheby’s Paris last week. It’s the first time the watch has appeared at auction.
Paris—A rare Cartier timepiece has more than doubled its auction pre-sale estimate.
The Cartier Cheich, considered a “unicorn” in the watch world, sold for $1.1 million at Sotheby’s Paris last week. It was estimated to sell for between approximately $200,000 and $400,000.
According to Sotheby’s, it’s the most expensive Cartier watch to sell at auction in Europe.
“The Cheich Watch has a truly unique status, not only within the history of watchmaking at Cartier but within the history of watchmaking full stop,” said Sotheby’s International Watch Specialist Benoît Colson.
“A complete design masterpiece, the Cheich’s story comes full circle, re-establishing its status once again as a trophy item for an incredibly lucky collector. Shrouded in mystery on its whereabouts for the last forty years, it’s been an absolute honor to bring this watch on the market for the very first time, and to see it achieve such a record-breaking price.”
There are only four Cartier Cheich timepieces in existence.
They were crafted in honor of the Paris-Dakar race—now called the Dakar Rally—a rally open to motorized land vehicles that originally took place in Europe and northern Africa, spanning 10,000 kilometers, or 6,214 miles.
The timepiece sold at Sotheby’s Paris was given to the winner of the Cartier Challenge—Belgian Gaston Rahier, who won back-to-back races in 1984 and 1985.
The watch led the online Fine Watches sale. Full results are available online.
Related stories will be right here …
The Cartier Cheich, considered a “unicorn” in the watch world, sold for $1.1 million at Sotheby’s Paris last week. It was estimated to sell for between approximately $200,000 and $400,000.
According to Sotheby’s, it’s the most expensive Cartier watch to sell at auction in Europe.
“The Cheich Watch has a truly unique status, not only within the history of watchmaking at Cartier but within the history of watchmaking full stop,” said Sotheby’s International Watch Specialist Benoît Colson.
“A complete design masterpiece, the Cheich’s story comes full circle, re-establishing its status once again as a trophy item for an incredibly lucky collector. Shrouded in mystery on its whereabouts for the last forty years, it’s been an absolute honor to bring this watch on the market for the very first time, and to see it achieve such a record-breaking price.”
Designed in ode to the Paris-Dakar mascot, the Cartier Cheich depicted the silhouetted face of a Tuareg person, the Berber ethnic group that inhabits the Sahara, in traditional robes that protect from the desert sun, called the cheich.
There are only four Cartier Cheich timepieces in existence.
They were crafted in honor of the Paris-Dakar race—now called the Dakar Rally—a rally open to motorized land vehicles that originally took place in Europe and northern Africa, spanning 10,000 kilometers, or 6,214 miles.
The timepiece sold at Sotheby’s Paris was given to the winner of the Cartier Challenge—Belgian Gaston Rahier, who won back-to-back races in 1984 and 1985.
The watch led the online Fine Watches sale. Full results are available online.
More on Watches
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand AmbassadorThe actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade ReportsThe company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat RubyThe large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein DiamondsThe diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat EmeraldIt was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.
