(Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.Ĭartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch - one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.

The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)Ĭartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business.

Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904.

Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.

Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) - who was born into poverty - founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.

Cartier calibre deployant buckle