Cartier is a name that has been closely associated with luxury watches since the late 19th century. The founder of the company, Louis-Francois Cartier, opened his first jewelry store in Paris in 1847, but it was his grandsons, Pierre, Jacques, and Louis, who truly propelled the brand into the watchmaking world.

In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont approached his friend Louis Cartier with a request for a watch that would be more practical to use during his flights. Louis created a watch with a leather strap that could be worn on the wrist, which was a departure from the pocket watches that were popular at the time. This watch, which was named the Santos, became the first men’s wristwatch and it quickly gained popularity.

Cartier continued to innovate in the realm of watchmaking, releasing the Tank watch in 1917. The Tank watch was inspired by the shape of a tank and featured a rectangular case with clean lines. The design was a departure from the ornate and highly decorative watches that were popular at the time.

Over the years, Cartier has continued to release stunning and innovative watches, including the Ballon Bleu, the Drive de Cartier, and the Cartier Ronde Solo. The brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship has made it a favorite among watch enthusiasts and luxury goods aficionados alike.