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Cartier is a legendary French luxury house known for its elegant and iconic timepieces that blend jewelry craftsmanship with watchmaking heritage. From the Santos to the Tank, Cartier has defined the art of refined wristwatches for over a century.
Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Cartier has evolved from a prestigious jeweler to one of the most celebrated names in luxury watchmaking.
Revered by royalty, tastemakers, and connoisseurs, the brand is synonymous with sophistication, innovation, and Parisian flair. Cartier watches are distinguished by their elegant proportions, geometric shapes, and harmonious balance between form and function. Many of their most iconic designs—such as the Tank, Santos, Baignoire and Ballon Bleu—have become enduring symbols of style, transcending fashion trends with their clean lines and timeless appeal.
While Cartier is globally renowned for its jewelry, it also holds a strong position in haute horlogerie. The brand has developed a number of in-house calibers and complications, housed within its Fine Watchmaking Collection, and operates a high-end manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. From skeletonized movements to tourbillons, Cartier blends technical mastery with artistic expression.
Iconic Collections
- Santos de Cartier – Created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, this was one of the first wristwatches designed for men.
- Tank – Inspired by WWI Renault tanks, this rectangular classic has graced the wrists of icons like Jackie Kennedy and Muhammad Ali.
- Ballon Bleu – Known for its rounded profile and signature blue sapphire crown.
- Panthère de Cartier – A blend of watch and jewelry, celebrated for its femininity and fluid bracelet design.
Cartier’s influence extends beyond timekeeping—its watches are cultural artifacts, favored by celebrities, royalty, and tastemakers alike. The brand remains a cornerstone of the Richemont Group and continues to set benchmarks in both watch design and luxury appeal.
Cartier is a French luxury house founded in Paris in 1847, among the most storied names in both jewellery and watchmaking. Cartier created some of the most influential watch designs in history — the Santos (1904, the first practical aviator's wristwatch), the Tank (1917), the Pasha, and the Ballon Bleu. Part of Richemont Group, Cartier operates one of the largest watch manufacture operations in the industry.
The Santos de Cartier (1904) was created for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and is credited as the first purpose-designed men's wristwatch. The Tank (1917), inspired by World War I tank tracks viewed from above, remains one of the most copied watch silhouettes in history. The Ballon Bleu is their contemporary icon. The Pasha, originally made for the Pasha of Marrakech, and the Panthère are other enduring designs. Each represents Cartier's ability to create shapes that transcend fashion cycles.
Yes — Cartier has invested significantly in manufacture movement capability through their Manufacture de La Chaux-de-Fonds. They produce the 1904-PS MC automatic movement, several in-house tourbillon calibres, and the ID Two concept movement using silicon components. Many Cartier models across the collection use these proprietary movements, though some entry-level pieces use eBauche movements from ETA or Jaeger-LeCoultre (a fellow Richemont brand). Their high-complication Rotonde de Cartier models showcase the full depth of their movement manufacturing capability.
