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About Cartier

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Founded in 1847 in Paris, France by Louis-François Cartier, the luxury goods company eventually developed an entire range of collections including high-end watches, jewelry, leather goods, fragrances and accessories.

Over the years, Cartier has become most well known for their stunning and original jewelry and wrist watches. This includes the first practical wristwatch, the "Santos.” In 1904, Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian pioneer aviator, complained to Louis Cartier that pocket watches were both unreliability and impracticality for use when flying. To solve his friend’s problem, Cartier designed a flat wristwatch with a distinctive square bezel. This original watch was an instant hit with Santos-Dumont and many others. In honor of Santos-Dumont, Cartier’s first men’s wrist watch was named the "Santos."

Over the next few years, Cartier introduced many other watch models including the Baignoire and Tortue in 1912 and the Tank in 1917. Each model is still in production today. Like other great watch brands, including Rolex, Cartier has made many innovations in watch technology. In 1932, Cartier introduced their first watertight watch, made for the Pasha of Marrakesh. This watch features a round waterproof case and a little screw-on cap that serves to seal the crown. From 1943, and then from its 1985 "re-issue,” this waterproof wonder watch has become known as “Pasha de Cartier.”

Cartier was extremely popular among the aristocracy and elite. In fact, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, proclaimed Cartier "Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers." He even encouraged the establishment of Cartier London in 1902 under Cartier’s youngest son. Over the years, later generations of the Cartier family were unable to grow the business as their predecessors had, and the company reached a standstill.

From 1847, the company remained in family hands. In 1972, a group of investors took over the Cartier company and installed Alain Perrin as its CEO. For several years the company had been foundering. Luckily, with Perrin’s leadership and experience as a former antiques dealer, the Cartier watch brand was brought back. During this time the famous “Le Must” line was developed. New versions of classics, including the "Santos," were also made. Cartier was again an innovative and fashionable luxury watchmaker.

Today, Cartier continues to offer best-sellers like the classic "Tank" watch, the “Pasha” watch for ladies, and the "Panther" watch which can feature 18k gold, stainless steel or a mix. From the Tank to Pasha models, there is a Cartier watch for everyone, and at almost any price point.

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