The History of Cartier

Cartier is a household name all over the world, well known for its elegant watches and jewelry since 1847. Today’s Cartier bears little resemblance to the small shop started that year in Paris by Louis-François Cartier. In fact, it was Louis-François Cartier’s grandsons, Pierre, Jacques and Louis, who first took the company name and reputation worldwide. Today Cartier’s discerning clientele are looking for everything, from cuff-links to 18 carat love, wooden rings and watches bracelets-and everything in between. Cartier normally can be depended upon to deliver whatever is needed, and to achieve this with unmatched style and type.

'Calibre De Cartier Diver' watch

A Wristwatch for a Flyer

Cartier helped popularize the modern wristwatch. In 1904, the pioneering Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont's, customary pocket watch was wildly impractical in his rickety aircraft during that time. Santos-Dumont asked his friend Louis Cartier if he could anything about it.  Thus the “Santos” watch was created.  Flat, comfortable to wear, and easily used by a pilot who needed both hands to control his aircraft. It was actually one of the first successful men’s wristwatches and has been a classic selection for gentlemen’s wrists ever since.

Unique, Elegant Designs

Cartier could always be counted upon to create beautiful and diverse elegant designs. Some of the most well-known were the Cartier mystery clocks, (a clock with a see-through dial concealed mechanism) and the colorful Art Deco “Tutti Frutti” jewels. The brightly-colored “Tutti Frutti” bracelets and necklaces captured perfectly the enjoyment-loving spirit from the Jazz Age. Cartier first came to New York in 1909 and by 1917 had a store on Fifth Avenue. In typically unique Cartier fashion, the mansion that housed their storefront on Fifth Avenue was purchased for $100 in cash, and a double-stranded natural pearl necklace worth one million dollars.

The Modern Cartier

The family sold the business in 1964, and Cartier is now owned by the luxury Richemont Group. Cartier continues to sell a number of the finest luxury and jewelry items in the world. Its selection of diamond jewelry is stunning. The chic Trinity De Cartier line features three intertwined bands of yellow and pink, and white gold fashioned into rings, necklaces and bracelets and earrings. Cartier still offers classic watch designs such as the 'Santos' and the 'Tank' as well as brand new ones like a 'Calibre De Cartier Diver' watch in pink gold. For over 150 years Cartier has managed to bring a distinctive vision of elegant design and style into every piece it sells. That may be the real secret from the company’s astounding success and longevity.

Cartier 'Santos' watch

You can always get impeccable service for your Cartier and all other fine watches here. They have true Certified CW-21 Watchmakers on staff and offer competitive pricing.