Cartier Diabolo

Cartier, often referred to as the "jeweler of kings and king of jewelers", is one of the most prestigious brands in the world of luxury. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, the company began as a humble workshop and quickly became synonymous with elegance, sophistication and exquisite design.

The breakthrough came in the 1850s, when Napoleon III appointed Cartier as the official supplier to the Imperial Court. This opened up new opportunities for the company and helped it to attract a select clientele. In 1899, Louis Cartier, the founder's grandson, took over the management of the company and opened the famous boutique on the Rue de la Paix in Paris. Under his leadership and that of his brothers, Pierre and Jacques, Cartier expanded internationally, opening boutiques in London and New York.

Cartier has always been known for its innovation and creativity. In 1904, at the request of Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, Louis Cartier created the first modern wristwatch for men, the "Santos". This watch revolutionized watchmaking and established Cartier as a leading manufacturer of luxury watches.

In the decades that followed, Cartier launched numerous iconic designs, including the "Tank" watch in 1917, inspired by the tanks of World War I, and the "Panthère" collection, which has been a symbol of the brand since the 1940s. The famous "Ballon Bleu" and "Drive de Cartier" watches are further examples of Cartier's ability to combine timeless elegance with modern design.

Today, Cartier is known not only for its watches, but also for its exquisite jewelry and accessories. The brand has carved out a firm place for itself in the world of luxury through its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship and remains a symbol of the highest taste and luxury.

Louis-François Cartier, born on February 2, 1819 in Paris, was a visionary jeweler and the founder of the House of Cartier. In 1847, he took over the jewelry workshop of his master Adolphe Picard and founded his own company. With his exceptional craftsmanship and a fine sense of design, he quickly built a name for himself in the upper circles of Paris.

Louis-François was a man with a clear vision and a tireless pursuit of perfection. His ability to capture the spirit of the times and reflect it in his creations brought him great success. Already in the early years of his career, he attracted the attention of the Parisian elite and the imperial court, which gave his brand an exclusive position.

However, his most significant contribution to the world of luxury was the way he passed the company on to his descendants. His sons Alfred and later his grandsons Louis, Pierre and Jacques drove international expansion and led the brand to even greater fame. Louis Cartier in particular played a central role in establishing Cartier as a global luxury name. Under his leadership, the first boutiques were opened in London and New York and iconic watch models such as the "Santos" and the "Tank" were created.

Louis-François Cartier retired from active business in 1874 and handed over the reins to his son Alfred. He died on May 12, 1904, but his legacy lives on in the Cartier brand. His founding ideals of exceptional craftsmanship, unmatched quality and artistic innovation continue to shape the brand to this day. Cartier's success story is a testament to Louis-François' vision and pursuit of excellence, which have made the company a global symbol of luxury.

Over the years, Cartier has developed numerous iconic watch models that have shaped the world of luxury watches.

The Santos, designed in 1904 for the pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, is considered one of the first modern wristwatches. A current model is the Santos Medium Ref. WSSA0010.

The Tank watch, introduced in 1917 and inspired by the tanks of the First World War, is a symbol of timeless elegance. An example is the Tank Solo Ref. W1018355.

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier impresses with its round shape and blue cabochon sapphire crown. A popular version is the Ballon Bleu 33mm Ref. W6920084.

The Drive de Cartier, with its cushion-shaped case, is aimed at modern gentlemen. A well-known reference is the Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0004.

These models embody Cartier's commitment to quality, design and craftsmanship, combining innovative technologies with traditional techniques.