Cartier

About Cartier

Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 and became one of the great jewelry houses. Its watches are among the most recognizable designs in the world, built around shape: square, rectangular, round and cushion cases rather than the usual round sports watch.

The Santos was designed for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to read the time without taking a pocket watch out in flight; it is one of the first wristwatches made for a man. The Tank followed during the First World War, its rectangular case inspired by the outline of the tanks of the time.

Signature models

Santos

The square case with exposed screws on the bezel, on steel, two-tone or gold bracelets; current models change straps without tools.

Tank

The rectangular classic, from the slim Tank Louis Cartier to the Tank Must and the Tank Française with its integrated bracelet.

Ballon Bleu

A round case with the crown protected by an arch and a blue cabochon.

Pasha

A round case with a screw-down crown cover on a chain.

Panthère

A slim jewelry watch on a supple bracelet.

What to know before you buy

• Many Cartier models come in quartz and automatic versions that look alike; the Movement row in the specifications says which one you are buying.
• Cartier sizes are named small, medium and large rather than in millimeters: compare the case size in the specifications, and try the Real size button on the product page.
• On the current Santos, check whether the extra leather strap is included: it is part of the original set.