Cartier is a French company that manufacture high quality watches and jewellery. Originally founded in 1847 in Paris, Cartier manufactured the first practical wristwatch which was known as the Santos. Aside from custom building watches for celebrities and royalty Cartier also have a range of luxury watches available to buy. Cartier is considered to be the second biggest seller of luxury watches behind Rolex.
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Cartier Santos Galbee Mens S S LargeUS $2,950.00 |
Mens Automatic Cartier Tank Francaise Box PapersUS $2,950.00 |
Cartier Panthere Large Steel and 18K Yellow Gold Two Row Watch W25028B6US $2,950.00 |
Cartier's History
When Cartier was established in the middle of the 19th century it was a small organisation that had a relatively slow start compared to other vintage watch companies. It was only when the original owner’s grandchildren started to run the company that it became well known for its quality and style all around the world.
The Santos was originally created with pilots in mind as it was difficult to use a pocket watch whilst flying. Cartier created a watch that made use of a square shape in order to solve this problem but it went on to become a popular watch both within and outside the aviation industry.
Some of the most famous classic Cartier designs include the mystery clocks and Tutti Frutti jewels. Two ranges that are still available today are the Tortue and Baignoire product lines which were first sold in the early 20th century.
Since the start of the 20th century Cartier watches have become one of the most famous and sought after brands. All Cartier watches are manufactured in Switzerland using only the finest components. Some Cartier watches have passed chronometer certifications proving that they are highly accurate.
Santos De Cartier
The Santos was the first practical wristwatch and Cartier still produce a collection based on the initial design. Santos de Cartier timepieces use the immediately recognisable square clock face that characterises most Cartier watches. It’s a testament to the initial design of the Santos that similar watches are still being sold today.
There are a number of different designs contained within the Santos De Cartier collection although the Santos De Cartier Galbee is the oldest of them all. One consideration is whether to buy a quartz or mechanical watch. If you choose a mechanical watch you also need to decide whether to buy a manual or automatic winding model.
Tank Franchaise
The Tank Franchaise range of Cartier timepieces also uses a square design although the watches have a simpler style compared to the Santos de Cartier collection. Cartier Tank watches were based on the design of tanks during World War I.
As with the Cartier Santos range you need to decide between quartz, automatic or manual watches as well as which metal you would like. For example, yellow gold and steel is a popular combination that’s used on certain Tank Franchaise watches. There are also women’s small and large Tank Franchaise Cartier watches available.
Other collections by Cartier include the La Dona de Cartier and the Pasha de Cartier. Each has its own unique style and features. For example, the Pasha de Cartier range uses round watch faces rather than the square design used on most Cartier watches. All Cartier watches retain the unique style associated with the company and are usually easily recognisable.