Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier and was the "Master jeweller" to Europe’s Crowned Heads of State. The first Cartier wristwatch, The Santos, was released in 1904 followed by Jewelled watches in 1906.

Although known for jewellery, Cartier created the Deployment Folding Clasp in 1910, which is now used by numerous watch houses across the Globe. In 1917 the Cartier Tank Francaise was introduced, a model which is today considered a classic example of style and design of Cartier watches.

Most contemporary Cartier watches (and jewellery) are based upon the distinctive designs of founder Louis-Francois Cartier.