Cartier was once dubbed the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers. With history, tradition, and experience stretching back more than 160 years, this company has flourished into one of the most highly regarded watchmakers in the world.
Cartier watches are not only a symbol of luxury and power, but they are also a piece of history.
Founded in 1847 in Paris, France, Louis Francois Cartier took ownership of the Parisian jewelry store run by his mentor, Adolphe Picard, and founded his namesake brand. The key to the company’s success was Cartier’s acute awareness of his customers’ tastes.
Since then, the company has garnered a reputation for catering to the extravagant desires of the elite in society.
In 1874, Alfred, the son of Louis Cartier, joined the company, bringing a fresh perspective to the company and expanding the brand’s offerings, such as their watchmaking department. As early as 1888, diamond-studded women’s watches have made appearances in Cartier’s showcases.
In 1903, Cartier designed their first men’s wristwatch. Designed specifically with the needs of pilots in mind, the timepiece was inspired by Alberto Santos-Dumont, a pioneer in aviation and the timepiece’s namesake. The exquisite watch featured a flat shape and square bezel and became widely known as the “Santos”.
In 1907, Cartier partnered with Edmond Jaeger of the famous watch brand Jaeger-Le Coultre. The latter agreed to be the exclusive supplier of movements for Cartier watches.
Cartier also started introducing several timepiece models in the early 1900s that have since become iconic wrist watch collections around the world. In 1917, the brand launched the original Tank – one of Cartier’s most enduring and celebrated timepieces of the modern era.
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