The watchmaking heritage of Cartier

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Cartier, a Parisian house founded in 1847, has embodied the essence of luxury and elegance for over 175 years, combining sumptuous jewelry and refined watchmaking. Iconic pieces in both its men's and women's collections, Cartier's watches blend aesthetics, innovation, and artisanal expertise.

More than just a watchmaker, Cartier embodies an exceptional watchmaking heritage and a philosophy of timeless beauty, combining tradition, boldness, and innovation.

Let's discover how Cartier forged its legend and why its creations continue to adorn the wrists of discerning enthusiasts on the Riviera and around the world.

The origins of Cartier: history and refinement

Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the House of Cartier began as a discreet jewelry workshop. The Cartier name quickly became synonymous with quality and excellence, appealing to Parisian high society and, soon after, to European royalty and nobility. This quest for excellence was passed down from generation to generation, instilling a pioneering spirit in the brand.

Under the impetus of his successors—notably his grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques Cartier—the House went international, opening boutiques in London and New York, while developing innovative creations that would leave their mark on their era. This expansion marked the beginning of the Cartier legend: the subtle alliance between French elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.

The main milestones in Cartier watchmaking

1904: the birth of an icon, the Santos

Cartier's watchmaking history took a decisive turn in 1904, when Louis Cartier created the first modern wristwatch for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Until then, pocket watches had reigned supreme. But this new accessory, the Santos Cartier watch, broke with convention: a rare combination of practicality and refinement, it stood out with its square case and avant-garde design, becoming an instant icon.

Today, the Cartier Santos collections for men and Cartier Santos for women continue this legendary tradition.

1917: the Tank revolution

A few years later, Cartier launched another masterpiece:the Tank de Cartier watch.

Inspired by the tanks of the First World War, this sleek design broke with circular conventions with its straight lines and rectangular case.

Worn by artists, aristocrats and even presidents, the Tank embodies French modernity and elegance. Modern variations include the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Américaine and the Tank Française.

From then on, each new Cartier model pushed the boundaries of the identifiable, becoming in turn a work of art, a precision instrument and a symbol of success.

Other iconic creations

Cartier continues to innovate. Among its flagship models are the Cartier Panthère watch (a symbol of freedom and femininity), the Cartier Ballon Bleu (renowned for its soft shapes and distinctive blue crown), the Pasha Cartier watch, the Cartier Baignoire and the Ronde Cartier.

Each collection embodies a vision, striking a balance between timeless classicism and stylistic inventiveness.

Craftsmanship and excellence: the Cartier signature

Cartier's watchmaking heritage is distinguished by its uncompromising expertise. In the brand's Parisian and Swiss workshops, each watch is a masterpiece of haute horlogerie: from design to hand finishing, every stage of production is guided by the highest standards. Cartier combines the ancestral tradition of watchmaking with cutting-edge technology, notably by developing its own high-precision automatic calibres, as evidenced by the Cartier Tank automatic watches.

The company's master craftsmen have mastered the art of gem-setting, polishing, and assembling complex movements, creating pieces that are as robust as they are elegant. Behind each case—gold, steel, platinum, sometimes enamelled with precious stones—lies a history, a technical and artistic heritage. It is this unique combination of innovation and tradition that enables Cartier to create watches that are passed down from generation to generation.

The role of the arts and crafts: passing on a legacy

Since 2014, Cartier has been running the Maison des Métiers d’Art, a workshop located in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) dedicated to preserving traditional skills (enameling, guilloché engraving, gem-setting, engraving, marquetry, granulation, etc.). This historic site enables nearly 200 artisans to develop exceptional timepieces, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.The Santos Skeleton watches perfectly illustrate this technical mastery.

The training center in Couvet, created in 1993, trains 150 to 200 apprentice watchmakers and jewelry artisans each year, ensuring the continuity of the ancestral techniques used by Cartier.

The métiers d'art models (Coussin, Crash métiers d'art, Révelation d'une Panthère, etc.) are the result of this alliance between high technology and meticulous craftsmanship, demonstrating Cartier's role as guardian of a living watchmaking heritage.

Cartier and the concept of timeless icons

What makes a Cartier watch a “timeless icon”?

First and foremost, the strength of its design. The Tank, Santos, Panthère, and Ballon Bleu share a common trait: their silhouette has stood the test of time without ever being altered by passing fads. These models are recognizable at first glance, and their understated, balanced aesthetic continues to inspire new generations of watch enthusiasts.

Second, these pieces embody the spirit of the times: they reflect technical progress, but also changing customs and lifestyles. Wearing a Cartier watch is not only a sign of a taste for discreet luxury, but also of belonging to a certain universal elegance.

Finally, Cartier's aura also stems from its illustrious ambassadors: queens, actors, artists, writers, business titans... All of them have helped to spread the Cartier legend across five continents. Prestige cannot be bought. It is lived, felt, and passed on.

Cartier today: innovation and global influence

Cartier continues to reinvent its heritage. Alongside its great classics, the house regularly offers new interpretations: limited editions, sophisticated watch complications, innovative materials, and even combinations of watchmaking and fine jewelry. This dynamic, driven by centuries-old expertise and the passion of countless artisans, guarantees Cartier a place of honor in the history of global watchmaking.

In the demanding world of luxury, Cartier also maintains a special relationship with its customers: the notion of service, attentiveness, and personalized support extends far beyond the sale, creating a genuine emotional bond between the House and its customers.

Cartier is more than just a name; it embodies an unrivalled heritage in the world of luxury watchmaking. Combining tradition and modernity, expertise and innovation, the Maison has established a style, a signature, and a philosophy of timelessness. Thanks to Auberi, this heritage is now accessible to all enthusiasts on the French Riviera and beyond: each Cartier watch is an invitation to experience time with elegance, to immortalize every moment in a setting of excellence.

Cartier collections on Auberi: accessible excellence

The French Riviera, a region renowned for its light and refinement, has naturally established itself as one of Cartier's strongholds. Through our prestigious boutique, Auberi offers an exceptional selection of Cartier watches: Tank, Santos, Ballon Bleu, Panthère, Pasha... Each collection is the result of a constant balance between style, functionality and innovation.

The watches sold in our boutique reflect the diversity and richness of the Cartier catalogue: yellow, rose or white gold cases, quartz or automatic movements, leather or steel straps. From discreet designs to diamond-set jewellery, the Cartier collections for men and Cartier watches for women adorn every wrist and enhance every everyday gesture.