Give The Gift of Cartier

Established in 1847 in Paris, Cartier is today one of the world’s most recognisable luxury watch and jewellery brands. The choice of royalty and celebrities alike, the brand is known for its unique, elegant and attractive timepieces. Each model is imbued with that inimitable sense of French style, offering beautifully shaped cases and instantly recognisable dials.

A Cartier exudes a certain character that is both classic and timeless in the same moment. As the perfect gift, it enjoys a tradition spanning back many decades that still rings true today. The catalogue is full of iconic pieces devised over a century ago as well as in more recent times.

The Santos, for example, is legendary in the advent of the modern wristwatch. Created by Louis Cartier in 1904 for his friend and Brazilian aviation pioneer, Alberto Santos-Dumont. A flat case with a distinctive square bezel, the design proved to be popular with other customers and the rest is history. Today, the Santos remains a favourite, and in 2018 Cartier introduced “QuickSwitch”, an easy system for changing straps and bracelets, to increase versatility.

The square dial offers the classic chic design in white, with hours marked by stylised Roman numerals in black. In the large version, an aperture for the date is provided at 6 o’clock. Available in a variety of case finishes, for the gentleman we suggest the men’s large (with a case width of 39.8mm) in gold and steel (Ref. W2SA0006). And for the lady, the medium (at 35.1mm) in steel (Ref. WSSA0010). Both powered by the automatic mechanical calibre 1847 MC, with an approximate power reserve of 42 hours.

For something a little more conventionally shaped, we look to a modern-day icon of the brand in the Ballon Bleu de Cartier. A smooth case (shaped like a pebble) is largely behind its success. The form renders the Ballon Bleu both elegant and comfortable to wear. Its other main traits include an integrated crown guard arching over the sapphire cabochon crown. And a play in the dial layout to accommodate the interrupted bezel.

This watch is also available in several sizes and metals. We suggest the steel version complete with matching bracelet. At a 33mm diameter, the Ballon Bleu runs on an automatic mechanical movement (Ref. W6920071). While the more petite, quartz-powered 28mm (Ref. W69010Z4) is also an attractive option. Both feature elongated Roman numerals in high contrast with a silvered opaline dial, and blued steel hands. The combination bears a familiarity that recalls previous classics of the Maison in a modern twist.

Watches of Switzerland is a proud Official Cartier Retailer through our Perth, Sydney and Melbourne Boutique locations.