Cartier Watches
From LoveToKnow Watches
Cartier watches continue to offer elegance and style. There are enough selections available that anyone can find a watch to please him or her. In fact, there are even discussion boards, such as Cartier Watches, which are dedicated to Cartier fans. Cartier watches make great gifts for any occasion, whether it be a wedding anniversary or birthday gift.
History of Cartier
The Cartier watch designs of today are still modeled after French designer Louis-Francois Cartier's designs, which originated in 1847. Cartier had the distinction of becoming a Master jeweller of the Crowned Heads of Europe. He catered to royalty.
The Santos is reverred as the first Cartier watch, and it was released in 1904, two years before the introduction of the jeweled watches in 1906. One of Cartier's most famous watches, the Cartier Tank Francaise, was created in 1917, and it is still considered a classic watch today. While of course Cartier is well-known for his timeless watch designs, he also created the "deployment folding clasp" in the early 1900's. This clasp is still used by many watch houses all over the world.
Popular Models
- Santos Watch
The Santos watch was created in 1904. It was actually named after a good friend of Cartier, Albert Santos Dumont. Santos-Dumont was also an aviation pioneer, and his desire for a good timepiece to use while flying inspired the Santos watch.
- Tank Watch
World War I was the actual inspiration for Cartier's famous Tank watches. Cartier was both fascinated and impressed with the American tank. Thus, he proceeded to design a sturdy, yet lovely, watch called the Tank. A newer design, the American Tank watch remains a popular style today. Its sharp-edged, vertical side-pieces and sleek lines echo the sturdy and simple construction of the American tank.
- Panthere Watches
The Panthere watch takes its cue from the elegant Santos watch, with its simple and supple links. The Panthere watch, however, introduced an extra-flat gold or silver link, which has given it a style all its own. The Panthere is at home as every day wear or for special occasions.
- Pasha Watches
Primarily a man's watch until the 1980's, thePasha watch was soon considered a much-sought after fashion accessory among women. The Pasha actually dates back to the early 1930's, when its conception was thought to have been brought about by the Pasha of Marrakech's desire for a waterproof watch. He asked Cartier to design a watch that could be worn as he enjoyed laps in his pool. This watch was actually a Tank watch, but by 1943, the Pasha watch was introduced. This watch features a large, round face, and is elegant yet solidly constructed.
- Divan Watch
Another one of the famous Tank watches, the Divan watch was introduced in 2002. It took the somewhat common rectangle shaped face and turned it on its side for a distinctive, yet classic, appearance. Considered a watch of the future, its innovative design and uncommon energy give watch lovers an exciting, new choice in the watch world.
Cartier watches offer a timeless and elegant design that is simple, geometric, and beautiful. Whether you are searching for a dress watch or every day timepiece, Cartier watches offer watch-lovers both options. Their quality is world-renowned, and their popularity only continues to increase with time.
More Information
Cartier makes more than just top notch watches. Visit Cartier's official website at www.cartier.com to view their full line of products, as well as learn about their rich history.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 3,191 times. This page was last modified 18:33, 8 February 2008.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
