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The Cartier Story

The name Cartier is synonymous with luxury, quality, and style. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, the company became widely known and esteemed global for it is design and production of gorgeous jewelry and opulent objets d'art. A royal commission in 1904 made Cartier a provider to Europe's Crowned Heads of State and led England's King Edward VII to describe Louis Cartier, grandson of the founder, as the jeweler of Kings, the King amidst jewellers.

By the early 20th century, Cartier had expanded it is collection to include watches. At a time when pocket watches were still considered de rigueur for the distinguished gentleman, Cartier helped popularize the wristwatch, making it a bold fashion statement for men and women as well as a status symbol amidst the well-to-do. Louis Cartier is credited with creating the basi men's wristwatch, the Santos, in 1904. He formulated and named the watch for his client and friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who necessitated a device that would grant him to read the time without taking his hands off the controls of his airplane.

Other classic designs followed, including Cartier's signature timepiece--the Tank--which debuted in 1917 for the duration of the First World War and was inspired by the tough new war machine the Americans introduced to the fighting in Europe. Cartier's original water-resistant watch was named after the Pasha of Marrakesh, who requested that Cartier create watch that he could wear while in his swimming pool and not lose track of time.

And while it is known more for it is luxurious design, Cartier is also credited with creating the highly functional deployment folding clasp in 1910, which is now used by watchmakers around the globe.

Modern Cartier watchmakers still base their watch designs on the early basi principles devised by Louis Cartier. Treasured by collectors, Cartier watches are distinguished by their impressive assortment of shapes (round, square, oval, Tank, Tortue and Tonneau), by their particular materials and workmanship, and by their recognizable Cartier aesthetic, an refined and tasteful blend of classic and progressed design.