Would you believe that the world famous Cartier Watches wrist watches that we know all about today actually started out as something that renowned French watch maker and jeweler extraordinaire made for a pilot friend of his, Alberto Santos-Dumont, back in 1904? This is not saying that Louis Cartier was not already making jewelry and watches at that time; it simply means that this is when Cartier started to design and make wrist watches that could be purchased and worn by everyone from the average person to the fledgling pilots of the day. Louis Cartier actually started making jewelry and Cartier Watches in 1847 in his native Paris, France. He was the apprentice of Adolphe Picard (whose workshop he took over in 1847. This began growing steadily and was opened to a very select group of private citizens that recognized Cartier’s excellence and quality designs. This is how and where the Cartier Watch legend and Legacy began. A Cartier Watch is as elegant as it is functional. Louis Cartier (partially named after his grandfather and Maison Cartier founder Louis-Francois Cartier) , who made Cartier and Maison Cartier the jewelry and watch powerhouse that it is today was running the Paris headquarters of Maison Cartier while his two brothers Pierre and Jacques were in charge of running the New York (Pierre) and London (Jacques) branches of Maison Cartier. Louis was the one that Alfred (their father) entrusted the Paris headquarters of Maison Cartier to. The Cartier Watches that are now world famous and known for being elegant and stylish started being made to satisfy the stylish jewelry needs and wants of Parisians of the day. This is not saying that a Cartier Watch that you can buy today is any less stylish and elegant than their earliest counter parts. There have been so many innovations and improvements that that have been made to the manufacturing process of Cartier Watches over the years that have streamlined the manufacturing process without compromising any of the quality that Cartier Watches have come to be known for internationally. When it comes to being the height of style and elegance, there is nothing that says Elegance much better that a Cartier Watch. These very beautiful and elegant Cartier Watches speak of times gone by and of the superb craftsmanship that has always been the benchmark and trademark of Maison Cartier and of Louis Cartier himself. There is one detail that might really both impress and amaze you if you were not already aware of this to begin with: back in 1902 His Majesty, The Prince of Wales - soon crowned King Edward VII had established Cartier as “Jeweller of Kings for King of Jewellers”; thus adding to Maison Cartier’s already prestigious reputation and name. With this accolade added to their already sterling reputation, is it any wonder that there is a certain rush of exhilaration that comes with looking at, buying and/or owning a piece of Cartier jewelry or a world famous Cartier watch? Talk about worldwide prestige and acclaim!