Cartier, Most Beloved Watches

Since the late 1800's Cartier has been turning out one amazing piece after another. From their finely crafted, intricately designed jewelry, to their classic and elegant timepieces, Cartier's quality is always exceptional, that devotion has never wavered. Today, let's learn a bit more about the early days of these legends, and why we love Cartier. The first original Cartier has to be the Santos, let's look at the history of the Santos watch, and where it is today.

The Santos was actually designed for a friend of Louis Cartier, Alberto Santos-Dumont. Dumont was a famous Brazilian aviator in the late 1800's and early 1900's. His complaint to Cartier was that the traditional pocket watches of the time were to bulky and cumbersome. He requested a different design, and Cartier came up with the Santos. This collection would become the first ever wrist watch, and has remained in the Cartier line, to this day. Today's Santos timepieces have been created to be a marvelous as the original. The Santos that was introduced back in 1904 was a revolutionary watch for that time, but even now, the Santos-Dumont will stop you in your tracks.

The newest Santos-Dumont is in keeping with the Santos style. The square, easy to read dial and the rugged looks are still recognizable. The Santos-Dumont for today is encased in 18 carat yellow gold, with a gold crown. It is set with beautiful, round cut diamonds. It has remained a hand winding mechanical movement, with the Cartier caliber 430 MC. It's the same great Santos, updated. The Santos would turn out to be but one in line of famous watch creations that Cartier would produce, on the request of a friend. Next would be the Pasha. Commissioned by the Pasha of Marrakesh to wear while he swam, the Pasha would become the first water resistant timepiece.

For the Pasha, Cartier's construction consisted of a solid, round, 18 carat gold case. The Pasha of Marrakesh was pleased, and the Pasha remains an important piece in the House of Cartier. The modern versions of the Pasha are in 18 carat yellow gold, rose gold, stainless-steel, and are made in both men's and women's models. Many of Cartier's current timepieces are based on designs blueprinted by Louis Cartier, in his early days. The style and grace of these creations has remained timeless, and the impeccable quality with which Cartier infused his original watches, makes them truly legendary.

Get to know Cartier, and own a piece of the fairy tale.

Cartier, Most Beloved Watches