Cartier Must De Vendome Louis Cartier Large Size 'LM', Box & Papers
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Cartier Must De Vendome Louis Cartier Large Size 'LM', Box & Papers
About the Item
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
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- Rolex GMT Master Watch Ref 1675, "Pepsi' Dial, Circa 1973. Service Papers.By RolexLocated in Canterbury, GBOur vintage and rare Rolex GMT Master, reference 1675, features a 40mm stainless steel case with red/ blue "pepsi" bezel which has developed a very attr...Category
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- Ladies Cartier Pasha (AKA Miss Pacha) Wristwatch. Quartz Movement, Year 2013By CartierLocated in Canterbury, GBOur ladies Cartier Pasha (also known as the Miss Pasha) and reference W31400007 , features a stainless steel 27mm case with stainless steel bracelet and quartz movement. Presented in...Category
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- Cartier Santos Octagone Wristwatch ref 187903. 18K Yellow Gold, Year 1990...By CartierLocated in Canterbury, GBOur Attractive Cartier Santos Octagone reference 187903 features the small size case with quartz movement and date function. The case (26mm x 31mm) and bracelet are of stainless stee...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
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- Cartier Santos Automatic Wristwatch Ref W2SA0016. Latest Version 2022.By CartierLocated in Canterbury, GBOur Cartier Santos automatic in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel is the latest version, reference W2SA0016 with 35mm case and features the quick release bracelet enabling an easy with to leather. This example is presented in excellent condition with only light signs of use, and comes complete with box, leather strap, deployant clasp , instructions and warranty card, dated 2022. A decent saving over list price for one of the most desirable and instantly recognisable watches on the planet. This size of Cartier Santos makes for a great dressier look for a gentleman or a larger ladies watch.Category
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- Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 1330By CartierLocated in London, GBWatch: Cartier Must De 21 Stock Number: CHW5409 Price: £995.00 A huge amount of watch for under £1000! Its a classic Cartier that won't cost the earth and looks the part. 31mm stai...Category
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- Cartier Must De Cartier Vermeil Vendrome WatchBy CartierLocated in San Fernando, CACartier Must de Cartier watch is crafted in 18K gold plated sterling silver construction (Vermeil) and features a Swiss made quartz movem...Category
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- Cartier Must de Cartier Vermeil Manual Wind Tank WatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYIntroducing the Cartier Tank Vermeil Watch: Timeless Elegance. Embrace refined luxury with the Cartier Tank Vermeil Watch. This iconic timepiece from the 1970s boasts a black dial, ...Category
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- Cartier Must De Cartier 21 Mid Size Steel and Gold accent Quartz Wrist watchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1990 Cartier, Must De Cartier 21 Mid Size Wrist watch, 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece case with Gold accents and a Gold crown set with a sapphire. Quartz Movement, white Dial....Category
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- Cartier Vendome TrinityBy CartierLocated in Cape Town, ZASleek. GENDER: Unisex MOVEMENT: Quartz CASE MATERIAL: Yellow Gold DIAL: 30mm DIAL COLOUR: White STRAP: 45mm BRACELET MATERIAL: Brown Leather CONDITION: 9/10 MODEL NUMBER: ***** ...Category
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