Cartier watches are known around the world as the epitome of luxury and style.  The company was founded by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847.  Since then, it has become a worldwide symbol of elegance.  When the first Cartier founded the company, it was nowhere near the global phenomenon it is today.  He took over the workshop of the man he had apprenticed under, Adolphe Picard.  It wasn’t until his grandsons took over the company (Louis, Pierre, and Jacques) that it became the huge force that it is today.  The first Louis continued to bear responsibility for the Paris branch and was responsible for many of the influential designs that came out of the company (including the mystery clocks and the first high fashion Cartier watches).  During the early 1900s, Cartier watches became a favorite of the royals in Europe, specifically with the court of England.  In 1909, the company went global by making an important move to New York City.  Today, there are Cartier stores around the world, most notably in New York, Beverly Hills, Waikiki, Boston, San Francisco, Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai, London, and Vancouver. 

 

The Cartier Legacy

 

Cartier, known throughout the world as a symbol of fashion and cosmopolitan glamour, has been creating exquisite jewelry and timepieces since the end of the 19th century. In 1888, they created the first women's wristwatch and in 1904, Cartier watches became the first to be made with a leather strap.  Since then, the Cartier brothers have continued to dazzle the upper echelons of European society.  At the beginning of the 20th century, the Prince of Wales declared them “Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers.”  This legacy has continued on through the rest of the 20^th century.  It is thought that the successive creation of several Cartier watch models eventually formed the culture of watch making in the 20th century, beginning with the Tonneau in 1906 and the Tortue in 1912.

 

The Cartier Watch Collection

 

Today, the Tonneau and the Tortue remain two of the most important pieces in the Cartier watch collection.  Other important parts of the Cartier Watch collection include the Cartier D’Art, the Cartier Libre, the Baignoire, and the Roadster.  Another popular Cartier watch model is the Tank Francaise, which features a bracelet integrated into its case.  The goal of the Tank’s design is to offer a seamless, smooth overall look.  The Pasha de Cartier is an additional Cartier watch that was initially offered only as a men’s watch.  However, its popularity (which is largely a result of powerful and solid design) soon made it a very successful addition to Cartier’s women’s watch line as well.  The Roadster is a sturdy watch that comes in different styles.  These differences mean that the watch can be casual, dressy, or elegant.  The Cartier watch line also features the Santos 100 watch, which is larger than many of the other models.  However, it is known to be a symbol of an independent spirit. 

 

Cartier at Wingate’s

 

Wingate’s is proud to offer a selection of fashionable Cartier watches for men and women including several varieties of: Baignoire, Chinoise, Chronoscath, Cougar, Delclaration, Divan, Panther, Pasha, Roadster, Santos, Tank, Tonneau, Tortue and Vendome.