Cartier watches

Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by master jeweler Louis Francois Cartier. His son Alfred took over in 1874, but it would be the grandsons Louis, Pierre and Jacques lay the foundation for to building the brand into what it is today. The company would remain in hands of the family until 1972. While primarily a jewelry brand, Cartier has a rich and deep history when it comes to watches. It introduced its ladies wristwatch well before the end of the 19th century, while the first men's watch was designed in 1904 at the request of famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The latter would serve as the inspiration for the 1911 Santos wristwatch, one of many icons of the Parisian brand.