Cartier International SNC, popular worldwide as Cartier is a manufacturer of French luxury goods. The conglomerate designs, manufactures, and sells watches and jewellery. Its origins traced back to 1847 in Paris, the year when Louis-François Cartier founded the company amidst the turbulence of French revolution. Until 1964, the Cartier family retained their ownership of the company and later became a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group. The headquarters of Cartier is still Paris, while it owns over 200 stores spread across 125 countries. The brand also has three flagship ‘temples’ in New York, Paris and London.

 Louis-François Cartier took over craftsman Adolphe Picard’s jewellery workshop located on Rue Montorgueil in Paris. The very first purchase from this store in Paris was made in 1856 by Princess Mathilde, Napoleon I’s niece and Emperor Napoleon III’s cousin. Alfred, Louis-François’ son took over the company while Alfred’s sons – Pierre, Louis and Jacques - continued the legacy of Cartier by expanding the brand overseas, in New York and London.In 1899, Cartier opened its new store at Rue de la Paix. In the 1900s, aristocrats and crowned heads from across the world flocked to Cartier to purchase platinum-mounted neoclassical diamond jewelry.

The beginning of the twentieth century marked the arrival of the first men’s wristwatch. In 1904, Louis Cartier created a leather strapped watch for his friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviator. This watch was designed for wearing on the wrist and became a highly sought-after model – Cartier Santos - thanks to Dumont’s celebrity status. The unique design featured a flat shape as well as square bezel, designed specifically for pilots. Many people looking for used men’s Cartier watch prefer to buy Cartier Santos.

The Cartier Tank Watch & Beyond

Five years later, the first boutique was opened in London at New Bond Street, while the same year, Pierre Cartier opened a store in New York’s Fifth Avenue. The Tank watch model was designed by Louis Cartier in 1919 inspired by the World War I. tanks. A flurry of new designs and inventions followed between 1910 and 1914. The ‘Model A, “ the first mystery clock was followed by other mystery clocks including the “Portico” in 1923. Mystery clocks earned their name due to the hidden mechanism and transparent dial. The panther" motif arrived in 1914 which was set in onyx and diamonds on the ladies’ wristwatch bezel. If you are interested in buying a used women’s Cartier watch, browsing through our collection of Cartier watches for sale is the best way to get a great deal.

Pierre moved to London to establish and manage the Cartier store and later established a branch in New York. Louis managed the Paris branch. His revolutionary ideas -particularly the use of platinum in jewellery- made King Edward VII confer the ‘King of Jewellers’ title on Cartier. Some of the most celebrated designs from Cartier is attributed to Louis including the mystery clocks, stylish wristwatches and Art Deco designs such as "Tutti Frutti" jewels.