Cartier, for the kings, but for the soldiers as well.

Cartier is one of the world’s first and most prestigious jewelry brands, crafting luxurious creations from only the finest materials for over a century. Throughout its history, Cartier has attracted an elite clientele, including celebrities and royalty.

King Edward VII of Britain famously referred to Cartier as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.” Marilyn Monroe later immortalized the name in the song “Cartier” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

The French house of Cartier was founded in 1847, but gained international fame in 1904 when Louis Cartier introduced the very first wristwatch for men. This watch was specially commissioned by aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed a practical way to read the time while flying. Until then, pilots relied on pocket watches. Cartier’s innovation changed history—and the men’s wristwatch was born.

The Santos remains one of Cartier’s most iconic designs and is still produced today in various styles, including watches and eyewear.

Thirteen years later, Louis Cartier received another historic commission, this time from the French army. Soldiers needed a smaller and more practical wristwatch for use in the trenches. The Santos was too large, and pocket watches were impractical. Louis Cartier responded by designing a compact watch carved from a single piece of steel, making it both durable and functional. This model, introduced in 1918, became known as the Tank.

Like the Santos, the Tank is timeless. From the moment it was created, it symbolized strength, courage, and precision.

Cartier eyewear design is directly inspired by these legendary watches. For example, the Cartier Santos frames feature the iconic screws on the bridge and temples, echoing the watch design. The Cartier Louis style is recognized by its three-line detail in gold, with a center line of white gold.

In the early 1980s, most frames reflected one of these two hallmark styles. Over time, additional iconic lines were introduced, including Panthère, Signature C, Le Must de Cartier, and many others.

In addition to these styles, Cartier also produced frames in solid gold, platinum, and even bubinga wood. These rare materials underline Cartier’s dedication to craftsmanship and luxury.

More recently, Cartier has released new frames inspired by vintage designs — a testament to how timeless and fashionable the originals remain. Today’s collections clearly echo the shapes and colors of the past. Yet, for true collectors, nothing compares to the authentic vintage Cartier frames from the 1980s and 1990s.