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Cartier: The posh Watch of Choice



The House of Cartier may be the iconic leader within the production, manufacture and sales of some of the most luxurious and valuable timepieces in the civilized world. Why they have held this position for over 160 years is due in part to an uncompromising standard of quality set in place when apprentice Louis Francois-Cartier took over this masters business and workshop in 1847. It was not well before his expertise and focus on quality and detail made him among the best known jewelers of his time. His son, Alfred Cartier, succeeded his father in the industry in 1874, further establishing Cartier as a top notch establishment for the monied elite. But, it was not until Cartier's grandsons, Pierre, Louis and Jacques took within the company it was a celebrity on its own, and the name started to bask in international fame.

Alfred Cartier is credited with making the very first men's wrist watch. This came into being since the Brazilian pioneer aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, complained to uncle Alfred concerning the cumbersome impracticality of utilizing a pocket watch while flying. In reaction for this, Alfred developed a flat wrist watch having a square bezel. This watch was very well received not only by Santos-Dumont, but was named 'The Santos', and continued to become the timepiece of choice for many of Cartier's illustrious clientele.

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When Cartier signed an agreement with Edmund Jaeger to exclusively give you the movements for its watches (1907), with branches in New York, St. Petersburg, and London they were rapidly becoming one of the most successful brands in the world. In the early 1920's, Cartier formed some pot venture with Jaeger and also the European Watch and Clock Company was created. Early models such as the Tank, the Tortue, and also the Baignoire are still in production to this day. This is exactly what I am talking about when I make reference to Cartier watches as 'timeless'.

Today the Cartier corporation is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financi?re Richemont SA. However, its distinguished good reputation for being the jeweler of choice for Royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities hasn't waned. In fact, the Prince of Wales is known to have known Cartier as 'Joaillier des Rois, Roi des Joailliers' (Jeweller to Kings, King of Jewellers). Proof of the pinnacle of success achieved by the brand, Cartier has over 200 stores in more than 125 countries with signature 'boutiques' in New York, Paris, Tokyo and London.

Throughout the years, Cartier has consistently produced watches of unparalleled excellence and luxury. It has developed a variety of classic collections because of its timepieces. Among them are Pasha de Cartier, Calibre de Cartier, Ligne 21 de Cartier, Santos de Cartier, Tonneau, not to mention Tank and Baignoire. So, if you are in the market for a phenomenal bit of 'wrist candy', there is no doubt that Cartier has something in one of their many collections to suit your fancy.