Collection: Cartier
Cartier Watches: Elegance in Motion, Legacy in Time
At Belmont Watches, we greatly admire brands that seamlessly blend art with engineering, and Cartier stands out as a symbol of both. Renowned globally for its refined aesthetics, Parisian sophistication, and mechanical integrity, Cartier has earned a unique distinction—being cherished by both fashion-forward individuals and serious horological collectors alike.
A Royal Beginning: The Birth of Cartier
Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the house of Cartier started as a prestigious Parisian jeweler. Within a few decades, it evolved to be known as the "Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers," catering to royalty and aristocrats worldwide. Cartier's watchmaking journey truly took off in 1904 with the creation of the Santos. Designed by Louis Cartier for his aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos became one of the first purpose-built wristwatches for men, redefining the pocket watch era and establishing Cartier's reputation in horological history.
Art Deco Icons: Cartier’s Golden Era
The early 20th century marked a period of significant design innovation at Cartier. Timepieces from this era remain some of the most iconic in history:
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Tank (1917): Inspired by WWI Renault tanks, its rectangular case became an instant design classic.
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Tortue (1912): This rounded, tonneau-shaped case represented a departure from traditional circular watches.
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Baignoire (1912): French for "bathtub," this elongated oval design emphasized femininity and elegance.
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Crash (1967): A surreal, Dali-esque design inspired by a watch deformed in a car crash; it is now ultra-rare and highly collectible.
Cartier’s designs during this period were not just artistic; they also pioneered what would later be known as form watches, where the shape of the case defined the piece.
Movement Matters: Cartier as a Watchmaker
While early Cartier watches relied on movements from top-tier Swiss manufacturers (like Jaeger), the brand increasingly invested in in-house watchmaking. In 2008, Cartier launched the Fine Watchmaking Collection, signaling its commitment to haute horology. The Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds now produces high-complication pieces such as:
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Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon
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Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Double Tourbillon
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Cartier ID One and ID Two concepts
These pieces showcase the brand’s technical prowess, including innovations in lubrication-free movements, carbon components, and energy efficiency.
Iconic Modern Collections
Cartier watches continue to blend elegant design with contemporary craftsmanship. Some standout collections today include:
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Tank Louis Cartier: A timeless favorite, still hand-finished with classic Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands.
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Santos de Cartier: A modern update on the original aviation watch, featuring quick-change bracelet systems and exposed screws.
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Ballon Bleu: Rounded and futuristic, known for its integrated crown and dressy presence.
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Panthère de Cartier: A jewelry-watch hybrid emphasizing gold and diamonds as much as timekeeping.
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Pasha de Cartier: Sportier in style, with bold case shapes and a cult following since the 1980s.
What Makes Cartier Watches Special?
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Design-First Philosophy: Cartier watches are architectural, sculptural, and unmistakable.
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Unisex Appeal: Many models are designed to be worn by both men and women, offering effortless, timeless, and versatile appeal.
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Haute Horology Meets Haute Couture: Cartier bridges the gap between technical innovation and runway-ready style.
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Royal Heritage: Few brands can boast over a century of royal and celebrity endorsements.
Final Thoughts: Cartier at Belmont
At Belmont Watches, we believe that Cartier represents the intersection of design, history, and horology. Whether it’s a vintage Tank or a modern Santos, a Cartier watch always makes a statement.
Explore our curated collection of Cartier watches, each one a wearable piece of history, elegance, and craftsmanship.
