Cartier is a French luxury brand known for its high-end watches and statement jewellery. Its play on detailing and precision work makes it a renowned company. Every collection of Cartier watches is an amalgamation of timelessness and modernity. The company was established in 1847. Today, it is one of the world’s most esteemed designer watch brands. The watches by Cartier not only tell the time but also stand as a status symbol. Leading businessmen, celebrities, and collectors own them.
This blog takes you through the journey of Louis-François Cartier and how his exquisite craftsmanship took the watch world through a storm.
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Cartier Watch Heritage & Craftsmanship: A French Tale
Louis-François Cartier was the patriarch of the famous French watch brand. His journey started as an ambitious young lad working in a small workshop in France. Louis took over that workshop and began working on his brand – Cartier. What’s fascinating is that though the company was introduced amidst the French Revolution, it still saw immense growth and success. By 1859, the first Cartier boutique door opened for customers.
Initially, the brand was not limited to Cartier watches but had a gorgeous jewellery collection. The fine craftsmanship and distinct patterns impressed the French aristocracy. It led to the brand turning into a reputed creator of luxury pieces. But the revolution came through watches. The art of fashion blended with those fine timepieces and created magic. Even today, these watches are reliable for telling time and are satisfying to gaze at.
Slowly, as the brand succeeded and saw the limelight, the family got involved in the business. Louis-François handed over the business to his son, Alfred Cartier, in 1874. His business acumen, fresh ideas, and devotion to the business amplified the growth. Various boutiques opened in cosmopolitan cities, including Rue de La Paix in Paris (1899). It was Alfred who introduced the Cartier watches to royalty and especially caught the attention of King Edward VII.
Alfred’s sons Jacques, Louis, and Pierre turned Cartier into a worldwide renowned brand. Their continuous networking and will to take the brand to soaring heights brought nothing but success to the company. It has been over 150 years, and Cartier watches are flaunted by celebrities and royalties alike. The company was family-owned until 1964, when the Swiss Richemont Group took over.
Iconic Timepieces by Cartier
Cartier watches have graced the wrists of artists, royalties, and connoisseurs over the years. Several designs have been launched over the years by the brand. But some classic timepieces have left a mark.
1. Panthère de Cartier
Panthère is rare and exquisite among the several different Cartier watches. This wristwear is named after “Panther” – the big, bold, and beautiful cat. It displays three gold link rows and a stainless steel case. The bezel is embellished with tiny diamonds, gold, and gemstones. Its classic square shape rests like a dream on every wrist. This watch was iconic in the 1980s, but its demand has not dialled down. Keith Richards, Mick Jagger’s bandmate, also owned this timepiece.
2. Pasha de Cartier
Pasha de Cartier has an interesting backstory. According to the incident, Pasha of Marrakech wanted a watch that would work while swimming. So, this watch was introduced at the beginning of 1930. Although there is no proof that this Pasha was designed for him, the watch remains one of the pioneers in water-resistant timepieces. This masculine watch has a classic design with a chain link and a robust bezel.
3. Santos
Louis Cartier had a pilot friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont. In 1904, he asked for a watch that would help him see the time when he was flying. So, while pocket watches dominated the world, a pioneer in wristwatches emerged in the form of Santos. This classic timepiece has a leather strap, a large square dial, and seconds’ markings. The striking dial helped Alberto keep a check on time without losing his focus. This Cartier watch hit the stores in 1911 and became a popular accessory.
4. Ballon Bleu
It is one of the most beautiful watches introduced by Cartier. Launched in 2007, its modern Roman numerals with seconds’ markings never fail to tell you the accurate time. It has a pebble dial case and a sapphire cabochon crown covered with a crown guard. These intricacies have attracted popular faces like Kate Middleton, Lindsey Lohan, and Candice Swanepoel.
5. Tank
Louis Cartier was inspired by the Renault tanks he saw on WWI battlefields. This is what led to the creation of this impeccable piece in 1917. The prototype of this watch was first shown to General John Pershing, who approved it. No faults were identified with the watch. Since its launch, many variations like Tank Francaise, Tank Solo, and Tank Anglaise have come into the market.
Wrapping Up
Cartier watches are prestigious, exceptional, and timeless. The brand is synonymous with curiosity and innovation. It has made its mark in the fashion world and holds immense value even today. This luxury watchmaker is more than just about timepieces; it is about synchronizing fashion with functionality.
