Cartier
Paris, France · Est. 1847
Founded by Louis-François Cartier
Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Cartier is one of the world's most recognised luxury maisons, celebrated for jewellery and iconic watch designs including the Santos, Tank, and Panthère. As part of the Richemont Group, it operates one of the largest and most prestigious watch manufacture facilities in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
- Founded
- 1847
- Headquarters
- Paris, France
- Group
- Richemont
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Tank — Rectangular case inspired by WWI Renault tanks, first created in 1917 and worn by icons from Jackie Kennedy to Muhammad Ali.
- Santos — One of the first purpose-designed wristwatches, created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.
- Ballon Bleu — Contemporary round watch distinguished by its blue sapphire cabochon crown integrated into a protective arc.
- Panthère — Jewellery watch with a supple bracelet evoking Cartier's iconic panther motif, relaunched to wide acclaim in 2017.
Timeline
- 1847 — Louis-François Cartier takes over his master's workshop in Paris, founding the Maison Cartier.
- 1904 — Louis Cartier creates the Santos wristwatch for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, pioneering the modern wristwatch.
- 1917 — The Tank watch is designed, inspired by the aerial view of WWI Renault FT tanks.
- 1969 — Cartier creates the Crash watch in London with its melted, surrealist case shape.
- 2012 — Cartier unveils the ID Two concept watch with no lubrication and no escapement, pushing horological innovation.
- 2018 — Santos de Cartier is relaunched with the QuickSwitch strap system and SmartLink bracelet adjustment.
- 2025 — Revived Tank a Guichets jumping hour at Watches & Wonders in gold and platinum variants including 200-piece limited edition.
- 2025 — Introduced first Santos de Cartier with full titanium bracelet. Expanded Panthere with gem-set animal-print models.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cartier
- Is Cartier a jeweller or a watchmaker?
- Both. Founded as a jeweller in 1847, Cartier has been a leading watchmaker since 1904, producing both high-jewellery pieces and serious horological complications.
- Who owns Cartier today?
- Cartier is the flagship brand of the Richemont Group, the Swiss luxury conglomerate founded by Johann Rupert.