LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Cartier: Cartier Watches
built 648 days ago
The Cartier watches company was founded in Paris in 1847, after Napoleon III’s government, when France was becoming a city of spendor and luxury. Aristocracy was seduced by Cartier watches’ originality and design innovations. Therefore, the brand became a synonym of elegance and prestige. Cartier Watches are prefered by nobility members for representing a symbol of distinction and glamour.
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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 "Tank" watch. Long regarded as the single most important and influential watch design of the 20th century, this distinctive Cartier watch was designed in tribute to the Allied Tank commanders who helped defend France during World War I. In 1933, Cartier was commissioned by the Pasha of Marrakech to create a watch he could wear while swimming. As one of the earliest truly water-resistant designs, the watch featured an attractive round case of solid gold.
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In 1904, Louis Cartier met the Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, who complained of the unreliability of pocket watches in flight. Cartier rose to the challenge, designing a flat wristwatch with a distinctive square bezel. This watch was not only a hit with Santos-Dumont, but ... with Cartier's many clients. Thus, out of this timeless design, the "Santos" was born. Incredibly enough, this watch is still produced today in much the same form.
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Cartier watches are always focused on the relationship between form and movement, aesthetics and "savoir-faire", technique and art. This continual quest is the driving force behind every new watchmaking challenge for Cartier watches. Cartier continues to harness each new skill and talent to combine tradition and innovation. In the mysterious and subtle world of cartier watchmaking, artist and technician work side by side as willing partners. These are the fundamental concepts underlying all creations in Cartier watches.
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In 1907, Cartier signed a contract with Edmond Jaeger, who agreed to exclusively supply the movements for Cartier watches. By this time, Cartier had branches in London, New York and St. Petersburg and was quickly becoming one of the most successful watch companies in the world. The introduction of the Baignoire and Tortue models (both of which are still in production today) took place in 1912, followed by the Tank model's debut in 1917. In 1932, the watertight watch made especially for the Pasha of Marrakesh - raised the bar even higher. Needless to say, the innovations, both in terms of design and technology, continued apace.
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Cartier, as part of the Richemont group, could easily refer to themselves as jewelers first, and watchmakers second. This can be attributed to their large line of rings, necklaces, purses and charms that carry the same characteristics as their watches: elegant and refined without being over-the-top. Don't get the wrong idea... because while Cartier watches are stylish, their functionality is akin to the caliber of other leading brands today.
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