Cartier: Timeless Beauty and Exceptional Precision

Once dubbed as the king of jewelers, Cartier has established an unparalleled reputation by catering to the luxurious desires of the elite in society. What began as the leading destination for bespoke jewelry, Cartier has also flourished into one of the trailblazers in the world of watchmaking. Today, Cartier watches are not only a symbol of luxury and timeless beauty but also a piece of history.

By the turn of the 20th century, Cartier made history. In 1903, the Parisian manufacturer designed the first men's wristwatch, creating a timepiece specifically catered to the needs of pilots. This timepiece was inspired by the Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, a pioneer in aviation.

The Santos remains to be one of Cartier's most famous wristwatch models to this day. Featuring a flat shape and square bezel, this timepiece made its debut in 1917 and has since attracted many prominent wearers, such as Calvin Klein, Elton John, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Over 150 years later, Cartier continues to uphold an unparalleled reputation in the watchmaking industry. They are committed to providing luxurious and sophisticated timepieces without sacrificing excellence and precision. This French brand boasts impeccable quality and sophistication that is sought after by watch collectors all over the world.

Cartier History

Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, has a storied history in the world of luxury watches. Renowned for its precision and elegance, Cartier introduced its first wristwatch, the Santos, in 1904. This watch was designed Louis Cartier for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This creation marked the advent of the Cartier Santos, a significant innovation in the watch industry.

In 1912, Cartier introduced the first mystery clock, known as Model A, featuring an innovative design where the hands seemed to float without any connection to the movement. This period also saw the debut of the iconic La Panthère motif in 1914, appearing on a wristwatch adorned with diamonds and onyx.

The Tank watch, another timeless creation, was conceived in 1917 and officially launched in 1919. Inspired by the military tanks of World War I, its sleek, geometric design became a symbol of elegance and modernity.

Another notable innovation was the uniquely shaped Cartier Tonneau, which diverged from traditional circular watch designs. Its barrel-like form showcased Cartier's dedication to both artistic creativity and mechanical precision.

In 1967, Cartier London introduced the Crash watch, featuring a case design resembling a car wheel’s crushing impact, showcasing a bold and unique take on watchmaking. Ten years later, the first Les Must de Cartier collection debuted, featuring watches with a vermeil dial.

The 1978 launch of the Santos de Cartier marked the first use of a bracelet combining gold and steel. In 1983, the brand continued its tradition of innovation with the Panthère de Cartier watch.

In 2001, Cartier further solidified its watchmaking legacy by opening a dedicated manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. These milestones underscore Cartier's commitment to innovation and luxury, establishing the brand as a cornerstone in the world of horology.

Popular Cartier Watches

Cartier Tank Française Small Steel White Dial Ref. W51008Q3

The Cartier Tank Française Small Steel White Dial features a 20mm stainless steel case and a white dial with Roman numerals. Powered by a quartz movement, it offers a water resistance of 30 meters and comes with a stainless steel bracelet and a hidden fold clasp.

Cartier Santos Large Watch Steel Black Dial Ref. WSSA0039

The Cartier Santos Large Watch Steel Black Dial has a 39.8mm stainless steel case with an ADLC bezel and a black dial. Powered by the automatic Caliber 1847 MC with a 42-hour power reserve, it includes a sapphire crystal, a black alligator leather strap, and 100 meters of water resistance.

Cartier Ballon Bleu 42 Automatic Steel Silver Dial Ref. W69016Z4

The Cartier Ballon Bleu 42 Automatic Steel Silver Dial showcases a 42mm stainless steel case and a silver guilloché dial. It houses the automatic Caliber 049 with a 42-hour power reserve, featuring a sapphire crystal and a steel bracelet with 30 meters of water resistance.