The incredible stories behind Cartier’s most iconic watches

From the Tank to the Ballon Bleu, Cartier has formed the historical past of watchmaking. Right here’s a have a look at the origin tales, superstar followers and film credit behind 4 of the home’s iconic timepieces.   

Close up image of a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch in rose gold with diamonds and sapphire, $40,400
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With its glossy and guaranteed form, Cartier’s Ballon Bleu is ideal for each on a regular basis and distinctive occasions. Justin Bieber rocked his white-gold version out in Calabasas, California, with a Supreme baseball jersey and ripped denims, whereas Kate Middleton has worn her metal model (a third-anniversary present from her husband, Prince William) to receptions and Wimbledon with tailor-made fits and tea clothes.

The versatile timepiece was launched in 2007, and rapidly turned one of many home’s greatest sellers. Its spherical and convex casing, dignified Roman numbers and enclosed blue cabochon crown are instantly recognizable to observe followers the world over. And with scores of fashions out there — in metal, white, yellow or pink gold, with or with out diamonds, and a number of bracelet choices — there’s one thing for everybody and each event.

Together with the purple carpet: A stunning iteration incorporates a “trembling setting,” through which 123 vibrant brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial scintillate once they transfer.

Close up of a Santos de Cartier watch.
Santos de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $28,700
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Greater than a century after it was created, the Santos de Cartier stays high flight. The primary trendy wristwatch was developed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his pal, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, after the latter complained he had bother checking the time on his pocket watch whereas flying.

Sensible and adventurous, it featured uncovered screws on a sq. bezel. Cartier continuously reengineers its references, introducing in 2020 three mechanical Santos-Dumont XL fashions in several metals.

Persevering with full throttle, the corporate added 4 limited-edition Santos-Dumont watches named after his plane: Le Brésil, with its ruby winding crown and platinum case; La Baladeuse, in yellow gold with blue fingers and a inexperienced alligator strap; the N014 bis, with a gold bezel on a metal case; and La Demoiselle, in platinum with a ruby cabochon, Panama-weave and alligator straps and a memento field.

Sky’s the restrict.

Close up of a Panthère de Cartier watch.
Panthère de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold, $21,800
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Cartier since 1914, when the home’s then-director of baggage, equipment and objects, Jeanne Toussaint, designed her first feline wristwatch.

Noticed like her panther fur coat, the timepiece was studded with diamonds and onyx stones. Via the many years, the animal motif reappeared on watches, jewellery and equipment, nevertheless it wasn’t till 1983 that the maison unveiled its Panthère de Cartier line of quartz jewellery watches. With slinky gold-link bracelets and rounded-corner sq. circumstances, they match completely into the glamorous “Dynasty” decade.

Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Fonda, Pierce Brosnan and Keith Richards had been photographed of their iconic Panthères, and Charlie Sheen’s stockbroker character Bud Fox in “Wall Road” invested in a gold one when he began creating wealth. Ceaselessly evolving, right now’s assortment options dozens of fashions, together with blended steel, double- and triple-loop, cuff, patterned lacquer and diamond-encrusted types.

Completely fierce.

Close up of a Cartier Tank Américaine.
Cartier Tank Américaine watch in rose gold, worth upon request
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One of the widespread and enduringly elegant watches of all time, the Cartier Tank is at all times proper. Beloved by each women and men, it has been worn by a pantheon of tastemakers, from Steve McQueen and Muhammad Ali to Kanye West, together with Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Andy Warhol as soon as remarked, “I put on a Tank watch as a result of it’s the watch to put on.”

Created in 1917 by Louis Cartier, the exact design was impressed by the highest view of a tank, with a rail monitor minute counter, Roman numerals and a blue cabochon. That purity of line lends itself to myriad iterations. Right now, variations embody the Tank Louis Cartier (irresistible in pink gold with diamond sidebars); the Tank Française (with its seamless chain-link bracelet); the Tank Américaine (boldly elongated in metal) and the Tank Cintrée (its slim, curved case hugs the wrist).

There’s countless temptation for Tank lovers.

All at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

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