Louis-François Cartier founded the company in 1847 when he took over the workshop of his master in Paris.
His creations were very quickly huge successes and Cartier could sell his jewelry to both French Empress Eugenie and the Royal Family England.
The company grew at a fast pace and started manufacturing clocks in the 1860-s.
Louis-François-Alfred Cartier, the son of the founding father was keen on expanding the clock category of the company. First wristwatches were produced as early as 1888 at a time when large clocks for mantelpieces and pocket watches were clearly dominating.
In the early 1900-s, the first international subsidiary was opened in London. The US (New York) and Russia followed.
Today, Cartier produces its watches in their own factories in Switzerland.