The Essential Guide To Cartier Watches
Renowned for creating the world’s first purpose-built men’s wristwatch, Cartier is nothing short of iconic. The legendary brand is responsible for designing some of the world’s most recognizable watches, making Cartier timepieces an essential part of any watch enthusiast’s collection.
The making of an iconic brand
Louis-François Cartier founded his business in Paris, in 1847. With iconic Cartier jewelry pieces and watches being spotted on some of the world's most fashionable and elegant people, it wasn’t long until the brand became renowned for its sophisticated and creative designs that were way ahead of their time.
With a slew of emblematic pieces ranging from colorful Tutti Frutti jewelry and panther rings to the famous Santos and Tank watches, the brand blends innovative design with ideas that were first dreamt up by Louis Cartier over a century ago to create timeless accessories that never go out of style.
Are Cartier watches made in Switzerland?
Cartier makes all its timepieces in La Chaux-de-Fonds, an area in Switzerland that’s known for watchmaking. Although the company is headquartered in France, Cartier has its own factory in Switzerland to control every step of the watchmaking process in the land of the greatest watchmakers in the world. Needless to say, watchmaking is an integral part of the Cartier DNA.
ICONIC Cartier men’s watches
Santos de Cartier
As an integral part of watchmaking history, the Santos is one of the most iconic watches to ever be created. The watch was first designed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted a watch that would allow him to tell time while flying, without removing his hands from the controls.
Among its iconic features are the beautifully screwed-down square bezel and the stylish rectangle case that give this watch a classic look with a modern twist.
Cartier Tank
Arguably the most famous dress watch of all time, the Tank has adorned some of the world’s most famous wrists - from JFK to Lady Di. The straight lines of the Tank have remained as popular today as they were over a century ago when the model debuted in 1918.
Among this design’s variations are the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Must, the Tank Américaine, and the Tank Française.
Ballon de Cartier
This model stands out as one of the few Cartier watches that features a circular case instead of the iconic square and rectangular silhouettes the brand is known for. Featuring a 42 mm case, the Ballon de Cartier s the biggest model in the brand’s catalog.
Arguably this watch’s main feature is the eye-catching rounded crown inside a round crown guard, which beautifully contrasts with the angularity of the Roman numeral hour markers.
MOST POPULAR Cartier Watches For The Ladies
Panthère de Cartier
Combining the best Swiss watchmaking with Parisian sophistication, Panthère de Cartier was responsible for introducing to the world the concept of a jewelry watch. Named after a panther, these timepieces were created to represent fierce femininity in an ever-so-cool way.
Inspired by the sleek movements of the beautiful animal, the Panthère features an ultra-flexible chain-link bracelet and a stylish square-shaped case.
Baignoire de Cartier
This beautiful watch gets its name from the French word for “bathtub” thanks to its unique stretched-out shape. The Baignoire has been a cult hit since the 1950s, and it’s gained a reputation for being the ultimate expression of elegant luxury, particularly among French it-girls - from Catherine Deneuve to Mélanie Laurent.
Featuring a design that manages to be both timeless and modern at the same time, the Baignoire de Cartier is a must-have in any collection.
Pasha de Cartier
Legend has it that the first Pasha watch was originally designed for the Pasha of Marrakesh in the 1930s, after he requested a one-of-a-kind watch from Louis Cartier. Featuring an oversized face for its time, a crown cover, and a metal grid to protect the dial, the Pasha de Cartier quickly became a fan favorite when it was released to the public in the 1980s.
This classic-yet-contemporary timepiece blends feminine and masculine watch silhouettes to create a statement-making piece that’s essential to any collection.
Where to buy Cartier watches in the Chicago Area?
For the best selection of Cartier Watches in Illinois, head to C.D. Peacock. Whether you’re after a classic Santos, a legendary Tank, a stylish Pasha, a chic Panthère, a unique Baignoire, or any other iconic timepiece, you’ll find the perfect Cartier watch for you at C.D. Peacock.
