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 The House of Cartier, a true dynasty of style, elegance and fine craftsmanship, was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, master jeweler to Europe's crowned heads. By the early 20th century, his three grandsons, Louis, Jacques and Pierre, were successfully managing Cartier boutiques in Paris, London and New York.
The first true Cartier wristwatch, the Santos, designed by Louis and named for Alberto Santos-Dumont, a dashing Brazilian aviator, was introduced in 1904. Jeweled wristwatches followed soon after in 1906. In 1910, Louis created and patented the deployant folding clasp. 1917 saw the introduction of the famous Cartier Tank watch. Long regarded as the single most important and influential watch design of the 20th century, the distinctive timepiece was designed in tribute to the Allied Tank commanders who helped defend France during World War I.
The company remained a family business until the mid 1960s. But its potential wasn’t lost even after it sold some of its departments. Today Cartier consists of 14 industrial commercial companies that successfully develop Cartier’s business including watchmaking.
Today the range of watches by Cartier is very diverse. But everything made under the brand-name Cartier is traditional, classical and elegant. Cartier is not only a history of success but also style that has become the company’s politics.
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