Cartier Watches: A Prestigious History

Founded in 1847, Cartier has long since proven that they are a pioneer in modern watchmaking. The brand first established itself as a jewellery maker, falling for the lustre and allure of luxury that Paris offers. This allowed them a prestigious clientele that is still true of today.

Louis Cartier reignited watchmaking traditions lost for over a century with his mystery clocks and, of course, high-fashion wristwatches worn by those highly regarded in society. As far back as 1888, Cartier account books mentioned the first ladies’ wristwatches; the first was created in 1902 for a friend, not as a general sale, and the earlier men’s watches that followed were all handmade in France.

When Louis Cartier took over his master watchmaker Adolph Picard’s Paris-based workshop, he was only 29 years old. He quickly changed the watch and jewellery landscape, allowing the brand’s reputation to spread across the country. Less than a decade later, Cartier had its first aristocratic customer when they catered to Princess Mathilde, cousin of Emperor Napoleon III.

In 1902, the same year as King Edward VII’s coronation, Cartier opened a boutique in London. This proved to be a wise decision, as the king declared Cartier as the ‘jewellery to kings and king of jewellers’. The first men’s wristwatch was created for Louis Cartier’s friend, aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and became known as the Santos de Cartier watch.

Today, the treasured timepieces from Cartier are a refined modern accessory beloved by many around the world, including celebrities and royalty. But Cartier are no longer just a retailer to aristocracy and royalty. The company lives out its reputation as a high-end watch brand with a rich and interesting history.

When you buy Cartier, you are purchasing mechanisms that boast unrivalled precision and passion in each model. To wear a Cartier watch as a lady or a gentleman is to stand out.

Luxury Cartier Watches for Ladies and Gents

Luxurious designs and exemplary craftsmanship are the hallmarks of Cartier’s prestigious watches. These qualities are exhibited in every piece Cartier manufacture, such as the Cartier Tank Française and the Ronde Louis Cartier. Cartier men’s watches from these ranges and many others can be found at Banks Lyon’s award-winning Lancaster showroom.

Unique and stunningly bold designs displayed by the Ballon Bleu Cartier watches models set the brand apart from the competition as a producer of superior quality men’s watches, while still retaining the timeless appeal Cartier is known for.

Cartier ladies’ watches, which are also available from Banks Lyon, are elegant and effortlessly stylish. The always popular Panthère de Cartier and Cartier Tank Française can be viewed in our showroom as well, where our professional horologists will gladly demonstrate and explain our full selection of ladies’ Cartier watches to you.

Explore our range of Cartier watches and find an inimitable piece that truly resonates with your style. All of Cartier’s exclusive collections are available from Banks Lyon. If you cannot find the specific Cartier watch that you are looking for on our website, then please do not hesitate to contact Banks Lyon directly and we will be happy to help.

Fashion and Functionality from Cartier

Cartier doesn’t rely on fleeting fashions; on the contrary, the brand has forged a style – based on its history and encounters with personalities from all over the world – that is timeless and here to last.

With the sleek designs of dials created from precious metals such as white gold and yellow hold, accompanied by equally alluring bracelets or durable and comfortable leather straps, these watches make the perfect gift for you or a loved one. Choose from models adorned with refined brilliant-cut diamonds for a glamorous statement or opt for a simpler timepiece that can be worn every day.

For the adventurer, Cartier have specially designed and created timepieces such as the Santos de Cartier XL Chronograph watch, which is perfect for those seeking to explore the great outdoors or to enjoy their favourite sports with a faithful companion. The self-winding automatic movement means there is no need for batteries, so there are no further costs associated with this. In addition, owning a self-winding automatic timepiece means the watch has the ability for a longer lifespan and can be treasured for generations to come.

For the lady seeking a fashionable watch to complement any piece in her wardrobe, the Cartier Panthère Steel Medium model is the perfect choice. Manufactured from durable and reliable stainless steel, the watch’s movement is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that will ensure the piece will last for a lifetime. The beautiful design is elegant and feminine, and both contemporary and timeless – a style icon for the woman who wishes to never go unnoticed.

These and other Cartier watches can be found at Banks Lyon. We’re proud to be official stockists for this prestigious, world-renowned brand, which has been creating pieces that combine the most stylish designs with superb precision and performance. You never have to compromise when you choose a Cartier watch.

Purchase Cartier Your Way

As the North West’s leading official stockists for Cartier, Banks Lyon is able to provide invaluable advice about our range of ladies’ and gents’ Cartier watches. Our personal shopper service, which is tailored to meet your precise requirements, is designed to help you find the perfect watch, whether you’re purchasing for yourself or as a gift.

In addition, you will always be able to purchase your Cartier timepiece your way, as we aim to make the process as convenient for you as possible. We offer a range of ways to buy a watch here at Banks Lyon, so choose the one that suits you best; you can purchase your new Cartier piece on 0% finance on all new products over £500, with monthly repayment plans to suit you based on a deposit that starts from as little as 10% (you can spread the cost of your timepiece over terms from 6-48 months).

For all enquiries regarding Cartier watches, contact us on 01524 381 020, ask us a question or visit us in person at our Lancaster and Kendal stores. A member of our friendly and experience staff will be more than happy to assist you with your purchase.