Cartier Watches

Cartier have been producing high quality watches and other fine items since 1847. Louis Francois Cartier worked as an apprentice when he was 29 under the guidance of Adophe Picard. The Cartier line of watches where renowned for their high quality and elegance. Princess Mathilde made a purchase in 1856, this being her first. The high profile customers continued when Empress Eugenie became a customer in 1859. Also in this year Cartier moved location to 9, Boulevard des Italiens. Jewellery bracelets for ladies were created in 1888 marking another success for Cartier. Another change of location took place in 1899 when Cartier moved to 13, Rue de la Paix.

By 1899, Alfred Cartier had been working with his father (Alfred) for a year. Alfred’s second son, Pierre Cartier opened a boutique in London at 4, New Burlington Street. In 1904 Louis Cartier manufactured a watch with a leather strap, designed to be worn on the wrist. He produced this watch for Alberto Santos Dumont.

Cartier produced their first Tonneau wristwatch in 1906 and in 1907 they were appointed as official purveyor to Tsar Nicholas the second of Russia. A new boutique was opened in London in 1909 and a subsidiary was opened in New York that same year.

The innovations continued with a folding buckle in 1909. Another watch was launched in 1911, the Santos de Cartier which took some inspiration from the 1904 model. The Tortue watch was launched in 1912. In 1919 the Tank watch was made available after a couple of years of research.
Alfred Cartier died in 1925.

Cartier had a number of loyal followers including American customer Marjorie Merriweather. The single push piece chronograph watch was created in 1928. In 1935 they opened in Monte Carlo.

In 1938 Cartier created one of the worlds’ smallest wristwatches which was given to Princess Elizabeth.

By 1945 Pierre Cartier became the head of Cartier Paris while Claude took charge of the New York branch and Jean Jacques became the boss of the London branch.

In the 1960s Cartier designed a range of uniquely designed watches which included the Crashwatch, an unusual looking time piece that appeared to be warped out of shape.

The Paris division of Cartier was taken over by a group of investors who were led by Joseph Kanoui. The centenary of the birth of Louis Cartier was celebrated in 1975.
Cartier are still producing high quality watches which are still designed to a high standard.