The Story of the Cartier Santos Chain
The Santos is a classic example of a luxury watch chain, but how did it start? It was based on the square pocket watch Cartier was making at the time. The dial telegraphs the company’s shift toward the Art Deco style, which defined the 1920s and 1930s and continues to influence the company’s design aesthetic to this day. The watch’s case is sturdy and designed for durability. The screws that secure the glass are intended to remind viewers of the legs of the newly built Eiffel Tower. The black Roman numerals suggest the radial layout of Paris.
Cartier Santos
In the 1970s, Cartier launched its first mass-produced men’s watch, the Santos de Cartier. Its rounded square case and eight exposed screws were inspired by the neo-industrialism of the Paris La Belle Epoque. A few years later, the watch was given a glamorous makeover, and became synonymous with luxury wristwear.
Today, Cartier operates nearly two hundred retail stores around the world, with flagship locations in Paris, New York and London. However, Cartier’s expansion into mid-level markets remained restrained, a strategy that ensures it remains a leading brand in the luxury goods industry. In the late 1990s, the luxury goods industry boomed and Cartier was able to take advantage of this growth.
Alfred Cartier’s sons were inspired to take the business to the next level. They all had grand plans for the company and split the brand into three regions. Louis took the responsibility for Paris, while Pierre and Jacques focused on expanding the company into the United States and England. During this period, the company grew and developed and became the symbol of luxury that it is today.
A legendary Mexican movie star, Maria Felix, identified with the snake symbolism of the brand. After she was a star, she commissioned a necklace from Cartier. It took two years to create, with 2,473 diamonds set on the chain, and the entire necklace is fully adjustable. Among the many models of this chain, the “Santos” model was the first men’s wristwatch in history.
Jeanne Toussaint
The Cartier Santos chain has a rich history. The first Santos watch was introduced in 1892, and the iconic face lent to the design became a symbol of luxury. It took more than 20 years to achieve its current status, but it’s a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the French manufacturer that it remains relevant today.
The company’s panther motif was first used in 1914 when Jeanne Toussaint, the founder of the brand, became a creative director. The motif was already popular in interior design, and Toussaint was able to use it in his designs. This design became a worldwide icon of luxury, and today Cartier has more than 200 stores in 125 countries.
The Santos de Cartier was the first men’s watch produced in mass production. It came in gold and steel and featured an integrated bracelet. Stainless steel and 18k gold was unusual for Cartier, which previously only worked with precious metals. The bimetal design gained popularity in the 1980s, but it is making a comeback now.
Alfred’s sons planned to inherit the company when they were young. They had grand plans for it, and divided the company into three regions: Paris, London, and the United States. When the company expanded overseas, they opened their first store on Fifth Avenue. Jacques and Pierre, Louis remained in Paris, while the latter two opened shops in England and the United States.
Louis-Francois Cartier
Louis-Francois Cartier founded his namesake brand in 1847 in Paris. His products were designed for the extravagant tastes of society’s elite. The company was successful enough to attract sons and a grandson to its ranks. The new generation continued the legacy of their father and widened the brand’s offerings. Cartier has remained a symbol of luxury and style ever since.
Louis-Francois’ vision helped him create the world-famous Cartier collections. His designs spanned beyond the realm of jewellery. Wristwatches in a neoclassical style were produced by the company. He also introduced animal motifs to his creations in the 1870s. A collaboration between him and the renowned jewelry designer Alphonse Fouquet produced these designs.
The company’s enduring luxury is reflected in its jewellery and watches. The Santos chain and the Panthere necklace are among its most prestigious offerings. The company’s luxury range was revolutionized by Cartier’s innovative Trinity motif in 1924, which symbolizes different stages of a relationship. Famous customers wearing the Cartier Trinity ring include Princess Diana and Nicole Kidman.
The history of the Cartier Santos chain and the Louis-Francois’ legacy is rich in detail. Cartier was one of the first jewelers to use platinum in their designs. This material was later incorporated into many of his garland pieces, including the famous Cartier Santos chain. Cartier’s design of the wristwatch changed the way people thought about the wristwatch.
The Maharaja of Patiala
The history of the Cartier Santos chain is a long one. It began in the late 1800s when Jacques Cartier first created the famous Santos wristwatch. The company then created other famous wristwatch designs like the Tonneau and the Tank, designed to commemorate the Allied victory in World War I. Today, the Santos chain remains one of Cartier’s most popular and sought-after collections.
Since the Santos-Dumont watch was introduced, the company has not rested. Since then, Cartier has been introducing five new models to its Santos line. You can also find the entire Cartier Santos collection at MR PORTER. If you’d like to own a Santos watch, you can read the complete history here.
In 1911, Louis Cartier created the first men’s wristwatch. It was a novel idea at the time, but it quickly caught on. The watch was a hit, and Santos-Dumont was famous for his pioneering work in aeronautical design. As a result, the Santos watch line expanded to include sports and dressier versions.
Jeanne Toussaint’s contribution to the Cartier Santos chain
During her career at Cartier, Toussaint embraced the use of animal motifs. She often worked with strong, fashionable women, including Barbara Hutton, the Duchess of Windsor, and Grace Kelly. She also made a name for herself in the fashion industry, creating jewelry with a variety of animal motifs, including a famous perfume bottle faceted like a diamond. During her time at the fashion house, her work became so impressive that she was even given a Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor by the French government.
During her career at Cartier, Toussaint led the accessories department, which produced handbags that were both functional and beautiful. Her eye for design made her designs popular with wealthy women, and her ability to combine art with fashion made her a unique and sought-after designer. Eventually, Toussaint was appointed as Cartier’s director of fine jewellery, a position she held until her death in 1964.
During the 1930s, her designs were popular with socialites, such as the Duchess of Windsor and Princess Aga Khan. Jeanne Toussaint also contributed to the iconic Panthere collection, which she helped popularize. Her necklaces embodied the spirit of Santos’ pioneering spirit, and the iconic screw motif was named after her.
Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Watch
The Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Watch is the ultimate expression of luxury. Its roots go back to 1904, when a pilot named Albert Santos Dumont requested a wristwatch that could be used while flying. The watch’s heritage is as strong as its features, including an in-house movement and traditional design. A black carbon case paired with a gold dial and a white or rose gold strap are both hallmarks of luxury and style.
In 1904, Louis Cartier developed the first men’s modern wristwatch. He crafted the model for a Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to check the time while flying. The dial featured rounded edges and exposed screws. The watch was a huge success and was celebrated at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Rio. Today, the Santos continues to be a symbol of luxury and style.
The case is made of titanium and carbon. The movement is a Cartier caliber 1847 MC automatic. Its case is made of carbon and is extremely durable. The watch is made to last for several decades, and the Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Watch is the ultimate symbol of luxury and style. The watch also includes a case with a diamond-set case. The dial is a unique feature that makes it a symbol of luxury.
The Story of the Cartier Santos Chain