Cartier

Paris, France
Cartier Santos WSA0016 medium

Founded in Paris, France, in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier and it were his sons Louis, Pierre and Jacques who gained their fame around the globe. The company remained under family control until 1964. In 1904, friend of the brand and Brazilian pioneer aviator complains about the impractical pocket watches and Cartier designs their first mens wrist watch. The iconic Cartier Santos is born. In 1909 Pierre Cartier established the first branch in New York. After Pierre Cartier passed away in 1964 his children sold the businesses they owned. In the 1970’s the various branches were bought and the brand was reunited again in 1979.

Highlights

1847
Cartier was founded in Paris by Louis-François Cartier.
1904
Cartier designs their first mens wristwatch, the Cartier Santos
1909
Pierre Cartier established the first branch in New York.
1917
Launch of the Cartier Tank which still is in their collection to date.
1964
Pierre Cartier passed away and the various branches we sold
1978
Creation of the Santos de Cartier watch with a gold and steel bracelet
1979
Cartier branches were re-united again
1993
Vendôme luxury Group was formed to combine several luxury brands including Cartier
1998
Introduction of the Collection Privée, Cartier Paris’ series. A collection of limited edition and limited produced watches, with and without complications
2007
Cartier starts to develop their own movements from time-only to complications
2011
Launch of their in-house caliber 1904MC movement
2018
Relaunch of the Santos de Cartier (40th anniversary)

Did you know?

59

Cartier was ranked as the 59th most valuable brand by Forbes

40

Since 2007, Cartier developed more than 40 movements

King

King Edward (UK) said about Cartier “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers”
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