Cartier
Watch History
One
of the oldest jewelers in the world, catering to the whims of
royalty and movie stars alike, Cartier enjoys a reputation
for selling only the finest quality jewelry and accessories. Nowhere
is this philosophy more in evidence than Cartier's highly
diverse line of wristwatches, many of which are the most recognizable
designs on the planet. From the Tank or Pasha models, to the finest
bejeweled creations for women, there is literally a Cartier
for everyone, at almost every price point.
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Cartier
Men's
Tank Francaise Watch
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Cartier
was founded in Paris by Louis-Francois Cartier, son of a
powder horn maker. The year was 1847; just four short years later,
Napoleon III came to power and through Countess Nieuwerkerke, the
young Cartier was able to become a supplier to the court,
selling Empress Eugenie a silver tea service in 1859. In the same
year, Cartier rented quarters on the Boulevard des Italiens
in what was then the most fashionable neighborhood in Paris. Cartier's
jewelry was characterized by a light, airy touch, in contrast to
the overly formal and overwrought ornaments of the period.
In 1874, Cartier's son Alfred took over the business and
expanded it considerably. That included watches, which Louis-Francois
had only dabbled in. In 1899, Alfred's son Louis Cartier
entered the firm. Louis Cartier was a great lover of mechanical
pocket watches and wanted the company to build its own watches.
In 1904, Louis Cartier met the Brazilian aviator, Alberto
Santos-Dumont, who complained of the unreliability of pocket
watches in flight. Cartier rose to the challenge,
designing a flat wristwatch with a distinctive square bezel. This
watch was not only a hit with Santos-Dumont, but also with Cartier's
many clients. Thus, out of this timeless design, the "Santos"
was born. Incredibly enough, this watch is still produced today
in much the same form.
In 1907, Cartier signed a contract with Edmond Jaeger, who
agreed to exclusively supply the movements for Cartier watches.
By this time, Cartier had branches in London, New York and
St. Petersburg and was quickly becoming one of the most successful
watch companies in the world. The introduction of the Baignoire
and Tortue models (both of which are still in production
today) took place in 1912, followed by the Tank model's debut in
1917. In 1932, the watertight watch, made especially for the Pasha
of Marrakesh, raised the bar even higher. Needless to say, the innovations,
both in terms of design and technology, continued apace.
In the early 1920s, Cartier formed a joint company with
Edward Jaeger (of the famed Jaeger-Le
Coultre company) to produce movements
solely for Cartier. Thus was the famed European watch &
clock company born, although Cartier continued to use movements
from other great makers. Cartier watches can be found with
movements from Vacheron Constantin, Audemars-Piguet,
Movado and Jaeger-Le
Coultre.
It was also during this period that Cartier began adding
its own reference numbers to the watches it sold, usually by stamping
a four-digit code on the underside of a lug. In fact, many collectors
refuse to accept a Cartier as original unless these numbers
are present.
In 1942, Louis Cartier died and his successors were unable
to continue without his artistic genius. As a result, the company
became financially and artistically stagnant. It was only in 1972,
when a group of investors took over the company and installed Alain
Perrin as its CEO, that the company finally regained lost ground.
Perrin, a former antique dealer, turned the company around. By developing
the "Le Must" line, as well as creating new versions of
classics such as the "Santos", Perrin managed to re-establish
Cartier as an innovative and fashionable watchmaker.
Today, Cartier's best-sellers include the classic "Tank";
the hot and fashionable "Tank Francaise", a distinctive
sports watch similar in concept to the Santos; the "Pasha",
which has become a very fine watch for ladies; and the "Panther",
which features a beautiful bracelet available in 18K gold, stainless
steel and gold, or stainless steel.
Needless to say, a Cartier watch is finished to very high
standards. The cases and bracelets in particular are meticulously
handcrafted and exude quality in every sense of the word. Yet in
spite of the famous brand name and timeless designs, Cartier
watches are available in a wide range of prices and styles.
If you are looking for a prestigious name brand that offers a mix
of quality craftsmanship and contemporary styling, one need look
no further than Cartier.
