Brand Focus: Cartier

Cartier is a name that enchants many. It’s a magical brand that’s all about fascinating beauty and style, creating pieces that have a story to tell and an undeniable heritage. It’s a brand that helps to define what luxury is.

So let’s take a closer look at Cartier…

Parisian Beginnings

Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in the charming French capital, Paris the brand was primarily a jewellers, however over time they began to introduce the watches that they’ve become known for.

At the heart of this introduction were the three grandsons of Louis-François - Louis, Pierre and Jacques. It was the three brothers that made Cartier what it is today. They travelled all over the world, enchanting Russian aristocracy and charming Indian Princes, making Cartier a truly international brand. It was soon worn by royalty, giving it a credibility other jewellers could only dream of and it was King Edward VII of England that declared Cartier was ‘jeweller of Kings and King of jewellers’.

Once the world was enchanted by their jewellery the brothers decided it was time to turn their attention to watches. In 1904 they created the Santos watch after aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained that he couldn’t see his pocket watch whilst flying and thus the wristwatch the Santos was born.

The Legacy Lives On

Cartier is an esteemed and respected brand in the luxury goods industry and are renowned for their craftsmanship, quality and excellence. Their pieces have been described as ‘a matter of passion’ and they're known for being beautiful, extravagant, exotic and desired. There’s a buzz about a Cartier piece and you know that you’re wearing something truly special.

With an undeniably French-feel Cartier oozes chic sophistication, with Parisian inspiration clearly adding to their unique style. However, despite being an overtly French brand their watches are still made in Switzerland, ensuring that both fashion and efficiency are achieved.

Cartier is a brand with historic credibility and has the approval of generations. From the glittering aristocrats to well-known iconic women, including Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, Cartier has created an image for itself, an image of luxury and this is the legacy that carries on today.

Iconic Cartier Design

Cartier designs are a combination of fashion and modern style with classic features from their heritage, stylish and up to date pieces that don’t forget their incredible legacy.

Every collection from Cartier has its own specific and identifiable features. For example, the TANK is an iconic model inspired by the tanks of the Western Front. The BALLON BLEU, like a bubble has a dramatic new shape and the CALIBRE is a sportier version of a standard round watch. They also have hidden Cartier secrets in their design, keep an eye out for the ‘Cartier signature’ hidden in the Roman numerals!

The iconic Tank model is a mascot for the brand, it carries the legacy and has a distinct historical significance. The Tank Solo Large Model Watch optimises the renowned collection with its statement rectangular-angled shape, traditional Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped steel hands. It’s classic and supremely sophisticated.

The Ballon Bleu, which is ‘floating like a balloon’ is elegant and timeless and the same type of celebrity endorsements have helped to make this watch a legend, with Kate Midleton favouring the style. The Ladies Ballon Bleu De Cartier Watch has a more modern look, but has quickly become a classic. It’s easily recognised with the blue sapphire cabochon enclosed by an arc of metal. And lets not forget the strong Roman numerals and blue steel hands that make this a really beautiful timepiece!

Cartier watches combine the perfect amount of elegance and precision. View the complete collection online at Laings today

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