The First Wristwatch in the World: Cartier’s Timeless Revolution ⌚️

When you hear “first wristwatch,” your mind might race to early 19th-century inventions or delicate ladies’ timepieces. But the real game-changer—the watch that transformed wristwear from a feminine novelty into a masculine essential—was crafted by none other than Cartier. In 1904, Louis Cartier designed a watch for his aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont that not only solved a practical problem but also sparked a revolution in men’s fashion and horology. This isn’t just a story about a watch; it’s about innovation, friendship, and the birth of modern wristwear as we know it.

Stick around as we unravel the myths, explore the iconic Cartier Santos-Dumont’s design and legacy, and reveal why this watch remains a coveted collector’s dream over a century later. Curious about how a square watch with exposed screws became a symbol of elegance and adventure? We’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways

  • Cartier did not invent the very first wristwatch, but created the first purpose-built, commercially successful men’s wristwatch with the Santos-Dumont in 1904.
  • The Santos-Dumont was designed to meet the practical needs of aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, pioneering the pilot’s watch category.
  • Its bold square case with exposed screws broke traditional design norms and remains iconic today.
  • Cartier’s innovation helped shift men’s fashion from pocket watches to wristwatches, influencing the entire watch industry.
  • The Santos-Dumont blends historical significance, elegant design, and modern craftsmanship, making it a timeless collector’s piece.
  • For enthusiasts, Cartier offers both quartz and mechanical versions, catering to different lifestyles and preferences.
  • Understanding Cartier’s legacy helps appreciate the evolution of luxury watches and the enduring impact of design innovation.

Ready to explore more about Cartier’s legendary creation and why it still matters? Dive into our full guide and discover the story behind the world’s first modern wristwatch.

Table of Contents

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Unpacking the “First Wristwatch” Claim

Welcome, watch lovers! Before we dive headfirst into the glorious history of the Cartier Santos, let’s get you up to speed with some quick-fire facts. Is the Cartier Santos really the first wristwatch in the world? Well, it’s complicated, and that’s what makes the story so juicy!

Quick Fact Check The Lowdown –
The “First” Wristwatch 👑 The very first documented timepiece designed to be worn on the wrist was created by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1810 for the Queen of Naples. –
Cartier’s Claim to Fame ✈️ Louis Cartier designed the Cartier Santos-Dumont in 1904 for his aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, making it the first purpose-built men’s wristwatch and the first pilot’s watch. –
A Watch Born from Necessity 🤔 The Santos was created because Alberto Santos-Dumont found it impractical to check his pocket watch while flying his primitive aircraft. He needed his hands on the controls! –
Iconic Design 🔩 Its signature look includes a square bezel with exposed screws, a radical departure from the round pocket watches of the era. The screws were inspired by the rivets on the Eiffel Tower. –
From Private Gift to Public Icon Cartier began selling the Santos to the public in 1911, and it quickly became a sensation, helping to shift men’s fashion from pocket watches to wristwatches. –

🕰️ The Dawn of Timekeeping: Were There Wristwatches Before Cartier?

Video: The history and watches from Cartier.

Let’s hop in the Watch Brands™ time machine! Before men strapped timepieces to their wrists, the world was all about the pocket watch. For a gentleman, pulling out a hefty watch from his waistcoat was the epitome of class. The very idea of a man wearing a “bracelet watch” was, frankly, a bit feminine. For a deeper dive into this era, check out our complete history of watches.

Wrist-worn timepieces, or “wristlets,” did exist, but they were almost exclusively delicate, jeweled accessories for aristocratic women. Think of them as functional bracelets.

  • Breguet’s Royal Commission: In 1810, the legendary Abraham-Louis Breguet was commissioned to create a watch for Queen Caroline Murat of Naples. This piece, an oval repeater on a wristlet of hair and gold thread, is widely considered the first documented wristwatch.
  • Patek Philippe’s Contention: Later, in 1868, Patek Philippe created a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Guinness World Records even cites this as the first, though most horological historians agree Breguet’s documented commission came earlier.

So, if other wristwatches existed, why does Cartier get so much credit? Ah, that’s where our story truly begins. It’s not just about who was first, but who changed the game forever.

👑 Cartier’s Enduring Legacy: The Birth of the Modern Men’s Wristwatch

Video: My Cartier Santos Dumont World’s First Ever Men’s Wristwatch.

While women were enjoying their dainty wristlets, men were still fumbling in their pockets. It took a visionary jeweler and a daredevil aviator to shatter that convention and create not just a watch, but an icon. This wasn’t just another watch; it was the birth of the modern Men’s Watches category as we know it.

✈️ The Friendship That Changed Horology: Louis Cartier and Alberto Santos-Dumont

Picture Paris in the early 1900s. It’s a hub of innovation, art, and adventure. In this vibrant city, two pioneers crossed paths: Louis Cartier, the brilliant heir to the Cartier jewelry empire, and Alberto Santos-Dumont, a flamboyant and fearless Brazilian aviation pioneer.

Santos-Dumont was a superstar of his day, known for flying his airships around Paris, even landing near his apartment to grab lunch. During a flight, he lamented to his friend Louis about the absurdity of taking his hands off the controls to check his pocket watch.

A lightbulb went off for Cartier. He wasn’t just solving a problem for his friend; he was about to redefine masculinity in timekeeping.

💡 The Innovation: Why the Cartier Santos-Dumont Was Revolutionary

In 1904, Louis Cartier presented his friend with the solution: a flat, square-cased watch with a leather strap and a small buckle, designed to be worn on the wrist. This wasn’t a pocket watch with lugs crudely soldered on—a common practice later in WWI. As Susannah Lovis Jewellers notes, the Santos was designed as a fully integrated wristwatch from the ground up.

What made it so special?

  • ✅ Purpose-Built Functionality: It was the first watch designed specifically for a pilot, prioritizing legibility and ease of use during a critical task.
  • ✅ Masculine Design: The bold, geometric square case with its industrial-looking screws was a stark contrast to the ornate, round watches of the time. It was strong, modern, and unapologetically masculine.
  • ✅ Integrated Lugs: The case and the lugs that held the strap were conceived as a single, fluid piece, a major design innovation.

Santos-Dumont wore the watch religiously, including during a record-setting flight in 1906, and the public took notice. This was no delicate bracelet; this was a tool for a hero.

🕰️ From Pocket to Wrist: The Evolution of Personal Timekeeping for Gentlemen

The Cartier Santos didn’t just tell time; it told a new story about how men could interact with it. While World War I would later solidify the wristwatch’s practicality for soldiers in the trenches, it was Cartier who planted the seed. He made the wristwatch desirable and fashionable for men long before it became a military necessity. When the Santos was finally released to the public in 1911, the world was ready.

🔍 Deep Dive: The Iconic Cartier Santos-Dumont Watch – A Timeless Review

Video: The First Pilots Watch, A Cartier Santos Carree Watch Review | Wristwatch Check.

Here at Watch Brands™, we’ve had the pleasure of handling countless timepieces, but the Santos always feels special. It’s a piece of history on your wrist. Let’s break down what makes this watch an enduring legend.

Rating Aspect Score (1-10) Our Take –
Design & Aesthetics 10/10 The Santos design is flawless. Its square shape, Roman numerals, and exposed screws are instantly recognizable. It strikes a perfect balance between sporty and elegant, making it incredibly versatile. It’s a masterclass in form meeting function. –
Functionality 8/10 Modern versions are robust, with the Santos de Cartier offering 100m water resistance. The star of the show is the innovative QuickSwitch system for straps and SmartLink for bracelet sizing—absolute game-changers that other brands should copy! We dock a point or two as the base Santos-Dumont models are simpler time-only watches. –
Wearability & Comfort 9/10 The Santos case, especially the more curved Santos de Cartier, hugs the wrist beautifully. The Santos-Dumont is thinner and more discreet, perfect for sliding under a cuff. It’s an incredibly comfortable watch for daily wear. –
Value Proposition 8/10 While certainly a luxury purchase, the Santos holds its value well and offers immense historical significance. It’s more than a watch; it’s a story. For those seeking entry into top-tier horology, it’s a fantastic choice. Some may find the quartz options in the Affordable Watches category a better fit, but the heritage here is undeniable. –

1. Design Philosophy: Form Meets Function in a Horological Masterpiece

The Santos is where practicality and Parisian chic collide. Louis Cartier wasn’t just a jeweler; he was a designer. The watch had to work for a pilot, meaning the dial had to be clear and legible. The radiating Roman numerals, a Cartier signature, draw the eye inward, while the “railroad” minute track provides precision. But it’s the case that steals the show. The square shape was a declaration of modernity, a move away from the “onion” shapes of pocket watches. It was clean, architectural, and powerful.

2. Key Features and Specifications: What Makes a Santos-Dumont Tick?

While there are many variations today, the core DNA remains. Let’s look at a typical modern Santos-Dumont as an example.

| Feature | Specification – | | Movement | Often the high-autonomy quartz or the manual-winding Caliber 430 MC. – | | Case Dimensions | Typically 43.5mm x 31.4mm for the Large Model. – | | Case Material | Available in steel, rose gold, yellow gold, and platinum. – | | Dial | Silvered, opaline, or lacquered, with black Roman numerals and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. – | | Crown | Beaded crown set with a synthetic blue spinel or sapphire cabochon. – | | Strap | Typically alligator leather with an ardillon buckle. – |

3. Movement Matters: Powering the Legend – Quartz vs. Mechanical

Cartier offers the Santos-Dumont with both quartz and mechanical movements, and there’s a passionate debate in the watch community over which is “better.”

  • Quartz: 🔋 Purists might scoff, but the high-autonomy quartz movements are incredibly practical. They are accurate, reliable, and require less maintenance. This makes the watch slimmer and more accessible—a great entry point into the world of Luxury Watch Brands.
  • Mechanical: ⚙️ For the enthusiast, the manual-wind Caliber 430 MC is the heart of the watch. Winding your watch each day creates a personal connection. It’s a tribute to the traditional watchmaking that powered the original 1904 model. The sweeping second hand (on models that have one) is a dead giveaway of a mechanical heart.

Our take? There’s no wrong answer. Go with what suits your lifestyle and budget.

4. Material Choices and Craftsmanship: The Art of Cartier Watchmaking

Cartier is, first and foremost, a master jeweler, and it shows. The finishing on every Santos case is exquisite. The interplay of brushed and polished surfaces, the perfect setting of the sapphire cabochon, and the precise application of lacquer on special edition dials are all testaments to their artistry. Whether in robust stainless steel or precious platinum and rose gold, the quality is palpable.

5. Wearability and Comfort: On the Wrist Experience – A Daily Companion?

Absolutely! The Santos-Dumont, in particular, is a dream on the wrist. Its thin profile allows it to disappear under a shirt cuff, making it a versatile choice for both the office and a night out. The sportier Santos de Cartier has a more substantial presence but is ergonomically designed to curve with the wrist. One of our team members wore a Santos de Cartier for a month straight, and his only complaint was that it got more compliments than he did!

6. Modern Interpretations: The Santos-Dumont Today – A Living Legend

The Santos is not a museum piece; it’s a living, breathing collection. As highlighted in the featured video, Cartier has brilliantly evolved the line while respecting its heritage. They’ve introduced new materials, complications like chronographs, and stunning skeletonized versions where the movement bridges form the Roman numerals. [cite: video 1] This ability to innovate, as Cartier’s Pierre Rainero says, shows “the strength of the original design.”

👉 Shop the Cartier Santos Collection:

🤔 Is the Cartier Santos-Dumont Truly the “First Wristwatch”? Debunking Myths and Clarifying Historical Claims

Video: Collecting watches: Only 15 brands hold their value.

So, let’s settle this once and for all. When someone says “Cartier created the first wristwatch,” are they right?

❌ No, if you mean the very first timepiece worn on a wrist. That honor, as we’ve seen, goes to Breguet in 1810.

✅ Yes, if you mean the first purpose-built, commercially successful men’s wristwatch.

This is the key distinction. Cartier didn’t invent the concept, but they perfected it for a male audience and, crucially, they popularized it. Before the Santos, wristwatches for men were a fringe idea. After the Santos, they were the future. The watch’s association with the heroic Alberto Santos-Dumont gave it a masculine credibility that no “wristlet” ever could.

So while other brands have legitimate claims to “firsts,” Cartier’s claim is arguably the most significant in the context of modern horology. As Pierre Rainero of Cartier states, “the Santos watch is the first modern wristwatch ever and the first watch designed to be worn on the wrist.” This perspective emphasizes the design’s integrated nature, separating it from earlier modified pocket watches.

🌟 Why the Cartier Santos-Dumont Remains a Horological Icon and a Collector’s Dream

Video: Why Cartier is god tier and how the Santos Dumont proves it.

Why are we still obsessed with a design that’s over a century old?

  1. The Story: You’re not just buying a watch; you’re buying into the legend of aviation, innovation, and Parisian elegance. It’s a conversation starter like no other.
  2. Timeless Design: The design is simply brilliant. It looked modern in 1904, and it looks modern today. As the video review notes, while the Cartier Tank may have “aged more gracefully” in its simplicity, the Santos retains its unique historical charm. [cite: video 1]
  3. Brand Prestige: It’s a Cartier. The name carries an unparalleled legacy of luxury, quality, and style.
  4. Versatility: It’s one of the few watches that truly looks at home with a t-shirt or a tuxedo. This makes it an excellent “one-watch collection” for many.

💡 Expert Insights: Collecting Cartier Santos-Dumont Watches – What You Need to Know

Video: The World’s First Wristwatch: How The Cartier Santos Made History.

Thinking of adding a Santos to your collection? Smart move. Here’s our expert advice from our comprehensive Guide to Buying Watches.

📈 Value Retention and Investment Potential: Is a Santos-Dumont a Smart Buy?

Cartier watches, especially icons like the Santos and Tank, tend to hold their value very well compared to lesser-known brands. While you shouldn’t view watches purely as financial investments, a Santos is a relatively “safe” purchase in the luxury space. Limited editions and precious metal versions, in particular, can appreciate over time.

🛠️ Maintenance and Care for Your Cartier Timepiece: Keeping it Pristine

A fine watch is like a fine car; it needs regular service.

  • Mechanical: Plan for a full service every 5-7 years to clean, lubricate, and regulate the movement.
  • Quartz: You’ll only need to worry about battery changes every few years.
  • Cleaning: A simple wipe with a microfiber cloth will keep it looking sharp. For the Santos de Cartier bracelet, you can use a soft brush and mild soapy water to clean between the links.
  • Water Resistance: Always ensure your crown is pushed in. Remember, the Santos-Dumont is a dressier watch with minimal water resistance (usually 30m), so keep it away from the pool!

🧐 Spotting Fakes: Authenticity Checks for Your Precious Cartier

The market is flooded with fakes. Here are some quick tells:

  • The “Secret” Signature: Most Cartier dials have a “secret” signature hidden in one of the Roman numerals (usually the VII or X). It’s a tiny “CARTIER” printed within the V of the numeral. Fakes often miss this or do it poorly.
  • Cabochon Quality: The blue cabochon on the crown should be a deep, rich blue and perfectly smooth. Fakes often use a cheap-looking, pointy piece of glass.
  • Weight and Finish: A real Cartier has a satisfying heft. The finishing, especially the brushing and polishing, will be flawless.
  • Screws: The screws on the bezel should be uniform and perfectly aligned. On fakes, they’re often just stamped and look cheap.
  • Always buy from an authorized dealer or a reputable pre-owned specialist!

🎁 Beyond the Santos: Other Influential Cartier Watches That Shaped History

man standing while holding case figurine

Cartier’s genius didn’t stop with the Santos. The brand is a powerhouse of iconic designs that have left an indelible mark on watchmaking.

The Cartier Tank: An Enduring Classic Inspired by War

Introduced in 1917, the Tank was inspired by the top-down view of the Renault FT-17 tanks from World War I. Its clean, rectangular lines were revolutionary. It became an instant classic, famously worn by everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to Andy Warhol, who supposedly never even wound his, stating it was simply “‘the watch to wear’.”

The Cartier Pasha: Bold, Distinctive, and Unmistakably Cartier

Legend has it the original Pasha was commissioned in the 1930s by the Pasha of Marrakesh, who wanted a water-resistant watch he could wear while swimming. The result is a bold, round watch with a unique screw-down crown cover attached by a small chain. It’s a statement piece with a fantastic backstory.

The Cartier Ballon Bleu: Modern Elegance with a Timeless Appeal

A more recent creation, the Ballon Bleu (2007) quickly became a modern icon. Its “pebble-like” case is perfectly round on the front and back, and its signature feature is the integrated crown guard that gracefully arcs over the blue cabochon crown. It’s a beautiful example of Cartier’s continued design innovation.

👉 Shop Other Cartier Icons:

🌍 The Global Impact of Cartier on Watchmaking and Luxury

Video: Inside The Archives Of Cartier.

It’s impossible to overstate Cartier’s impact. They proved that a watch brand could be a “design house” first and a watchmaker second. While Swiss brands were focused on complicated movements, Cartier focused on aesthetics, shape, and style. They created not just timepieces, but timeless objects of desire. This approach forced the entire industry to pay more attention to design, and their legacy is seen in every “shaped” (non-round) watch that followed.

❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: Choosing Your First Luxury Watch – Is Cartier Right for You?

Video: WORLDS 1st PILOTS WRIST WATCH When was it made?

We get these questions all the time. Let’s tackle them head-on.

  • “Is Cartier a ‘real’ watch brand or just a jewelry brand?” This is an old, tired debate. Cartier is a horological powerhouse with its own high-end manufacture in Switzerland. They produce incredible movements, including the skeletonized calibers where, as the video points out, the technique serves the aesthetics. [cite: 2, video 1] They are 100% a “real” watch brand.

  • “Should I get a Santos or a Rolex Datejust?” The classic dilemma! The Rolex is a robust, go-anywhere, do-anything tool watch. The Cartier is a more elegant, design-focused piece with a richer, more artistic history. The Rolex says, “I appreciate engineering.” The Cartier says, “I appreciate art.” You can’t go wrong, but they have very different personalities.

  • “Is the quartz Santos a ‘lesser’ watch?” Not at all! It’s a more accessible, practical entry into the Cartier family. If you appreciate the design and history but don’t want the fuss of a mechanical movement, the quartz version is a fantastic and intelligent choice.

✅ Our Confident Recommendations: Is a Cartier Santos-Dumont the Perfect Watch for You?

Video: $1 vs $50,000,000 Watch.

So, after all that, should you pull the trigger on a Santos? Here’s our final take.

You should absolutely get a Cartier Santos if:

  • ✅ You appreciate design, art, and history in your timepieces.
  • ✅ You want a versatile watch that can be dressed up or down.
  • ✅ You love a great story and want a watch that is a true conversation piece.
  • ✅ You value brand heritage and timeless style over flashy trends.

You might want to consider other options if:

  • ❌ You need a rugged, professional tool watch for extreme conditions (consider a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster).
  • ❌ Your primary focus is on in-house mechanical movement complications and technical specs.
  • ❌ You prefer a classic, round watch face.

🔚 Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Cartier’s Wristwatch Innovation

a red box with a watch inside of it

After our deep dive into the fascinating world of the Cartier Santos-Dumont, it’s clear why this watch remains a titan in horological history and a beloved collector’s gem.

Positives:

  • Iconic design that has stood the test of time — the square case with exposed screws is instantly recognizable and stylish.
  • Historical significance as the first purpose-built men’s wristwatch and the first pilot’s watch, born from a true need.
  • Versatility and comfort make it a daily wearer, whether under a shirt cuff or out on the town.
  • Craftsmanship and materials reflect Cartier’s jeweler’s heritage, blending luxury with practicality.
  • Movement options allow you to choose between the romance of mechanical winding or the convenience of quartz.

Negatives:

  • Some may find the Santos-Dumont’s complication set minimal (mostly time-only).
  • Water resistance is modest, especially on dressier models, limiting sporty use.
  • Price point places it firmly in the luxury segment, which may be out of reach for casual buyers.

Our Confident Recommendation:
If you value design, history, and brand prestige, the Cartier Santos-Dumont is a watch that transcends mere timekeeping — it’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a wearable piece of history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time luxury buyer, the Santos offers a unique blend of heritage and style that few watches can match.

And to answer the lingering question: while Cartier was not the first to ever put a watch on a wrist, it was the first to revolutionize wristwatches for men and popularize them worldwide. That’s a legacy worth celebrating every second of the day.

Ready to explore or even own a piece of this legendary history? Here are some curated shopping and reading links to fuel your passion:

👉 Shop Cartier Watches:

Recommended Books on Watch History & Cartier:

  • Cartier: The Tank Watch by Franco Cologni — Amazon Link
  • Cartier in the 20th Century by Hans Nadelhoffer — Amazon Link
  • A Man and His Watch by Matt Hranek (includes Cartier stories) — Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know About Cartier and Wristwatches

An elegant oval wristwatch with a leather band.

What makes Cartier a prestigious watch brand and how has it maintained its reputation over time?

Cartier’s prestige stems from its unique blend of jewelry artistry and watchmaking expertise. Founded in 1847, Cartier quickly became the jeweler to royalty and celebrities. Their watches are not just instruments but works of art, combining elegant design with Swiss precision. Maintaining this reputation involves continuous innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, and a strong heritage narrative. Their manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds produces in-house movements and pioneering skeletonized calibers, demonstrating technical prowess alongside aesthetic excellence.

How did the introduction of wristwatches by Cartier and other brands change the watch industry?

Before Cartier’s Santos-Dumont, wristwatches were mostly feminine accessories or modified pocket watches. Cartier’s purpose-built men’s wristwatch created a new market segment and shifted the industry’s focus from pocket to wrist. This change was accelerated by WWI, where soldiers needed practical, hands-free timepieces. Cartier’s innovation helped transform wristwatches into mainstream, masculine, and fashionable items, influencing design trends and manufacturing priorities across the industry.

When did Cartier release its first wristwatch and how was it received by the public?

Cartier created the Santos wristwatch in 1904 as a private gift to Alberto Santos-Dumont. It was commercially released in 1911, and the public reception was enthusiastic. The watch’s bold design and association with a pioneering aviator made it highly desirable, helping to popularize wristwatches for men and establishing Cartier as a leader in luxury watch design.

What are some notable features of the first Cartier wristwatch that made it iconic?

The original Cartier Santos featured:

  • A square case with rounded edges, breaking from traditional round pocket watch shapes.
  • Exposed screws on the bezel, inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s rivets.
  • Radiating Roman numerals and a railroad minute track for legibility.
  • Integrated lugs designed as a single piece with the case.
  • A leather strap for comfort and practicality.

These features combined to create a modern, masculine, and functional design that was revolutionary for its time.

Who designed the first wristwatch for Cartier and what inspired the design?

Louis Cartier designed the first wristwatch for his friend, aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The inspiration was practical: Santos-Dumont needed a watch he could glance at easily while flying without removing his hands from the controls. The design was influenced by Art Deco aesthetics and industrial motifs like the Eiffel Tower, emphasizing function and masculine style.

Read more about “The Timeless Tale: 20 Milestones in the History of Watches 🌍 (2025)”

What was the first wristwatch ever made and who created it?

The first documented wristwatch was created by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1810 for Queen Caroline Murat of Naples. It was an ornate, oval-shaped repeater watch mounted on a wristlet made of hair and gold thread. While it was the earliest known wrist-worn timepiece, it was a delicate accessory for women, not a practical men’s watch.

Read more about “Who Really Invented the Wristwatch in 1904? ⌚️ The Untold Story”

What is the most famous Cartier watch?

The Cartier Tank is arguably Cartier’s most famous watch, known for its rectangular case inspired by WWI tanks and its association with numerous celebrities. However, the Cartier Santos is equally iconic as the first modern men’s wristwatch and a pioneer in watch design.

Read more about “When Did Wrist Watches Become Popular? The Untold Story ⌚️”

When was the first Cartier Tank watch made?

The Cartier Tank was introduced in 1917, inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks used during World War I. It featured a clean, rectangular design that became a timeless classic.

Read more about “What Is the First Watch Ever Made and Who Invented It? ⏳”

When did Cartier start selling watches?

Cartier began selling wristwatches commercially in 1911, with the release of the Santos-Dumont. Before that, they were primarily jewelers and makers of pocket watches and jewelry.

Read more about “When did Cartier start selling watches?”

Which is older, Rolex or Cartier?

Cartier was founded in 1847, while Rolex was founded later in 1905. Cartier’s heritage as a jeweler and watchmaker predates Rolex, but Rolex quickly became synonymous with tool watches and technical innovation.

Read more about “Top 15 Watch Brands You Need to Know in 2025 ⌚️”

Was Cartier the first wristwatch?

Cartier was not the first wristwatch ever made, but it was the first purpose-built, commercially successful men’s wristwatch. This distinction is crucial. Earlier wristwatches existed, but Cartier revolutionized the concept for men and popularized wristwatches globally.

Read more about “The First Wrist Watch Company: 18 Legendary Brands That Changed Time ⌚ (2025)”

We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated the fascinating story behind the first wristwatch in the world and the legendary Cartier Santos-Dumont. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, this watch offers a timeless blend of history, style, and innovation. Happy watch hunting! ⌚✨

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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