The Royal History of Cartier

“The Jeweller of kings”

Louis-François Cartier founded his company in 1847. After inheriting the workshop where he used to work. He started designing jewellery for the rich and well to do in the capitol of style and luxury Paris. The company expanded with his son Alfred Cartier and his three son’s Jacque, Pierre and Louis Francois.

Soon Cartier was known for its quality and exquisite designs. Due to the ever growing number of customers from all over the world Cartier relocated his company to different locations over Paris. Making sure he was in the right place, since location was very important for his customers.

Royal Cartier

Amongst these customers where Kings and Queens, Maharajas, Industrialists and established Hollywood actresses. With these Royal contacts came the title “The Jeweller of Kings”.  As well as the opportunity to design and create the most elusive and exclusive jewellery that was ever made.

I chose to highlight the Cartier Halo Tiara. Originally purchased in 1936 by King George VI also known as “The stuttering King” from the film “The Kings Speech”. Since then It has been borrowed and worn by many different members of the royal family.  The most recent royal appearance was with the wedding of prince William and princes Kate.

Cartier on time

Finding its origins in jewellery Cartier has been making watches for quite some time now. Something which can clearly be seen when looking at the different models made over the last 100 years. Gemstones and precious metals are at the base of Cartier watch design. For the inner workings they’ve used movements from a few different manufactures like Jaeger leCoultre, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. For each model throughout the collection there are many different sizes, materials and complications.

The Santos (1904)

One of Cartier most well-known watches was a special request from the first person to fly a plane in Europe a family friend named Alberto Santos-Dumont. He was finding it difficult and distracting to use his pocket watch during his attempts to fly his airplane. The Santos is a square shaped watch with a square bezel screwed down with eight screws. Many different versions are made over the years without losing its original design. 

The Tank (1917)

Inspired on the Tanks used in WWI it is shaped like one.  The design of the Cartier Tank is reintroduced over the years. With many different models like the Tank Louis, Tank Americaine and Tank Francaise. All incorporating the same style brancards to attach the bracelet or strap. And sapphire tipped crown. With the latest edition being the Tank Anglaise.

The Pasha (1985)

With a name that’s looking back to the heritage of Cartier. The Term Pasha comes from the middle eastern title “Pasha” it was appointed to high ranking officers or officials. The Cartier Pasha is a round shaped watch with the crown protected by a second crown hinged to the case. A grill was optional to slide over the watch face. Unlike the Military watches were the grill was to protect the glass. The Pasha grill did just this, and gave you the option to “customize” your watch.

The Roadster (2001)

It was a complete new case design for Cartier. They have integrated an easy to remove bracelet. So different bracelets are easy to change and for example match the leather strap to your colour shoes or other accessories. The tonneau case shape was done before by Cartier but never so big. It was available in different configurations and sizes. It is also one of the few modern Cartier watches that has been discontinued already.

The Ballon Bleu (2007)

The name says it all. If you take a first look on the Ballon Bleu you will notice its spherical shape and balloon like appearance.  The case is round with the crown incorporated within the case. The watch seems to be inflated with air. This is done by putting a thick domed glass over the watch face seemingly enlarging the entire dial. It is available in all different materials and complications.

The Calibre (2010)

Cartier proudly presented the Cartier Calibre with its in-house movement in 2010. Following the trend in watchmaking to create your own movements. This year they introduced a Chronograph movement for the Calibre. It can be said that Cartier is King in making watches that will stay stylish for several years or will never go out of fashion. And the fact that they are focusing on producing their own movements is a way to take their watches to the next level.

Kind regards,