From stunning jewellery to
luxury watches

Initially, the Cartier brand was solely focused on producing the finest jewellery. Indeed, its name is still attached to the most sought-after necklaces, bracelets, rings and brooches. Perhaps its most aspirational items, though, are its luxury watches.

The firm created its first men’s wristwatch in 1904, though it had sold a ladies’ bracelet watch previous to that. The inspiration for this highly significant first Cartier wristwatch is fascinating. Louis Cartier crafted this timepiece to meet the needs of legendary flyer Alberto Santos-Dumont. The Brazilian – a close friend of Louis – had mentioned that pocket watches were impractical whilst flying. Louis’ solution was a watch he could wear on his wrist, with an easy to view flat, square profile. This watch was christened the Santos – a name familiar to Cartier’s global fans to this day.

Watch names of long-standing fame

Some of earliest Cartier signature watch names are still valued and admired a century after they were initially created. This includes the Tank, designed by Louis Cartier in 1917. His inspiration for this piece was actual tanks used in the war! Yet it inspired a thing of beauty.
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In 1989 this signature Cartier timepiece received one of its most important re-designs – the Tank Americaine – when the watch case become sleeker and longer.
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The Santos is another example of how Cartier combines timeless quality with constantly improving design and function. To mark its centenary in 2007, Cartier launched the stunning Santos 100, Santos-Dumont and Santos Demoiselle luxury watches.
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The most sought-after names in pre owned Cartier watches also include “Les Must de Cartier” names such as Pasha, Panthere and Roadster.