The Laings Journal
At Laings, expertise is woven into the very fabric of our heritage. In each of our showrooms, the representatives of our esteemed brands are not just knowledgable- they are fully qualified to accompany clients on a journey through the stories of craftsmanship of each brand.
Throughout all facets of our business, Laings pursuit of excellence is clear, showcased in the skills and knowledge of the talented brand ambassadors that can be found across each of our showrooms. Cristina Carbello is a mine of information for the esteemed French watch brand, Cartier. As a brand ambassador, Cristina understands the nuances and history of the brand and her expertise is unparalleled. Allow Cristina to guide you through some of our most frequently asked questions about the world of Cartier.
WHEN WAS CARTIER FOUNDED?
CC: Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, France. The brand initially focused on creating high-quality jewellery. The first Cartier watch, designed as a pendant, was introduced in 1853. This marked the beginning of Cartier's long-standing tradition of innovation in watchmaking.
WHEN DID CARTIER MAKE ITS FIRST WATCH?
CC: Cartier officially launched its first wristwatch in 1904, created by Louis Cartier for his friend and Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont. Alberto Santos Dumont found pocket watches impractical while flying, so Cartier designed a wristwatch that was both elegant and functional. They named it the Santos.
WHY ARE CARTIER WATCHES SO SPECIAL?
CC: For several reasons, heritage, legacy and prestigious history. Cartier has been associated with royalty, celebrities and influential figures for generations. Another reason they are so coveted is for their design. Cartier is well known as the king of shapes, their meticulous attention to detail and high quality is evident in their iconic designs like Tank, Panthère or Santos de Cartier.
WHAT ARE CARTIER WATCHES MADE OF?
CC: In the late 19th century, Cartier became one of the first jewellers to use platinum metal as a material. Cartier also crafts its watches from 18ct yellow gold, symbolising fidelity, 18ct pink gold symbolising love and 18ct white gold symbolising friendship.
Cartier also features a specialised steel that is a special alloy of iron and carbon. Other elements are added to enhance the metal's properties and render it stainless.
WHO WEARS CARTIER WATCHES?
CC: Cartier watches have graced the wrists of some of the world’s most influential and celebrated figures: Mick Jagger, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, Muhammad Ali, Duke Ellington, Truman Capote, Warren Beatty, Angelina Jolie, Tom Ford, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Piven, Finneas, Madonna, Deepika Padukone, Lilly Collins and Austin Butler. Just to name a few.
WHY WOULD YOU CONSIDER A CARTIER WATCH A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR CLIENTS?
CC: Cartier is truly a timeless brand, renowned for its exceptional timepieces. Many of its designs have endured for over a century, such as the iconic Tank, which was launched in 1917 and remains one of the most significant and recognisable collections in the Cartier family. Cartier embodies luxury, elegance, and uniqueness. Even today, models that are 30, 40, or even 50 years old continue to captivate with their timeless beauty. Over the years, Cartier has focused on refining the finish and improving the movements of their watches. Since 2019, the brand has also introduced an 8-year international guarantee as part of the Cartier Care programme, further enhancing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
CAN CARTIER WATCHES BE WORN EVERYDAY?
CC: The exceptional beauty of Cartier watches can be appreciated every day. Made with the highest standard of craftsmanship and materials, I see no reason as to why they shouldn’t be enjoyed every day.
WHY SHOULD I BUY A CARTIER WATCH?
CC: Simply put, there is a Cartier watch right for everyone. The brand features different styles and designs and different movements for unique lifestyles – they really are iconic and timeless.
I believe that Cartier is a brand that is easy to resonate with, and you can find the perfect watch for any occasion or taste.
DO ALL CARTIER WATCHES SAY SWISS MADE?
CC: Yes, all Cartier watches bear the "Swiss Made" label, located at the 6 o'clock position on the dial. This detail is a hallmark of Cartier's commitment to quality and precision, indicating that the watch meets the stringent standards required for Swiss-made timepieces. The inscription is subtle and discreet, often requiring a magnifying glass to be seen clearly, adding an element of exclusivity and craftsmanship to each Cartier watch.
This small yet significant detail underscores the brand's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of watchmaking excellence.
WHY DO CARTIER WATCHES HAVE BLUE HANDS?
CC: The iconic blue hands of the watches were designed to prevent the hands corroding under the harsh climate conditions of the Swiss mountains. These hands made from blued steel, that follows a rigorous heating treatment to get the colour and durability.
COULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT ABOUT CARTIER AS A BRAND?
CC: Cartier is actually a huge contributor to arts and environment. They also play an important role in women’s empowerment, working with small entrepreneurs to realise their dreams. More can be discovered about their commitment to culture and arts here.
DISCOVER THE EXCEPTIONAL WORLD OF CARTIER AT LAINGS.
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