Manufacture
SJX's 'Cartier in La Chaux-de-Fonds – Timeline' offers a crucial historical overview of Cartier's watchmaking evolution, detailing its strategic moves to establish a robust manufacturing presence in Switzerland. This deep dive into the brand's journey from assembly to integrated production illuminates the foundational decisions that shaped Cartier's modern horological identity. Understanding this timeline is essential for appreciating the brand's commitment to Swiss watchmaking excellence and its enduring design legacy.
Cartier La Chaux-de-Fonds – Timeline
1972: Cartier is established in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Until this point, Cartier watches were produced in France and equipped with Swiss movements. In 1972, Cartier finds a company with impeccable credentials, Ebel, in Neuchâtel; a master of watchmaking that is able to match Cartier’s ambitious new plans.
1976: Cartier’s industrial equipment is strengthened by a partnership with Cristalo. This is an important step, not only in the careful and progressive building of a production channel but in gaining control of expertise.
1977: Introduction of the Tank Must watch – inspired by the Tank Louis Cartier model.
1978: Launch of the Santos de Cartier watch – inspired by a 1904 model.
Above: Cartier Santos circa 1914
1983: Introduction of the Panthère de Cartier watch.
1985 : Launch of the Pasha de Cartier watch.
1989 : Development of the Tank Américaine watch. Acquisition of Paolini SA, a specialist manufacturer of cases and bracelet clasps, and of Michel Leuenberger SA, a specialist in the polishing of cases and bracelets. Founding of a Manufacture at Saint-Imier, with 180 staff engaged in developing and assembling watches. This new geographic association led to the integration of CEC (Compagnie Ebel Cartier) by Cartier, and in turn to the centralisation of the manufacture of cases, bracelets and clasps. By absorbing this company, Cartier was thus able to draw on the expertise of 430 employees.
1991 : Cartier groups certain activities together, such as the production and assembly of movements for mechanical and quartz watches (CEC2), before the Saint-Imier company transfers its product development activities to a new building in Villeret, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel.
1994 : Cartier groups together its operations based in Sonvilier that specialise in hot-stamping equipment (SOFAC) and in polishing (Michel Leuenberger SA).
1995 : Introduction of the Pasha C watch.
Above: Cartier Pasha
1996 : Launch of the Tank Française watch.
1998 : Creation of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris.
2001 : Construction of a new building to the west of La Chaux-de-Fonds, which brought together a range of operations, hitherto dispersed over 5 sites. Design and production of the Roadster watch.
2003 : Cartier Watchmaking takes ownership of the new 30,000 m2 building and brings all the activities required for the production of watches to La Chaux-de-Fonds. Creation of a centre for training in the watchmaking crafts.
2006 : Introduction of La Doña de Cartier watch.
2007 : Construction of a new 3,000 m2 wing on four floors devoted entirely to development activities: R&D, 3-D modelling, design, prototypes, industrial methods, mechanics and laboratories. Launch of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.
2008 : Cartier Watchmaking introduces an environment protection policy as part of the Cartier Corporate Responsibility Programme.
This message has been edited by SJX on 2009-06-19 08:56:59All the text that follows here and in the follow-up posts are from a recent press release. All the images are from Cartier. However, the press release is informative and the images are excellent, hence this deserves a multi-part post. Text in italics are my comments, all the rest is from Cartier. - SJX Part 1: History Cartier : The Watchmaker When Louis-Francois Cartier at the age of 28 established his first, somewhat modest, business in Paris in 1847 there were very few indicators of the great
The Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds Cartier has united all the stages of watch making, from design to manufacturing under one roof. With its priceless watch making heritage, famous shaped watches and expertise transmitted and enriched from generation to generation, the Cartier manufacture has created a unique style and special universe that have won recognition around the world from the very beginning. Today Cartier is one of the largest, fully integrated Manufactures in Switzerland. Si
A selection of notable pieces from the Cartier collection. Above: Cartier sales ledger c.1875-76 Above: Enamelled pendant watches, Cartier Paris, c. 1874 Above: Brooch watch, c. 1880 Above: Pair of Cartier tonneau wristwatches, c. 1908 and 1911 (top and bottom respectively); inspiration for Bagnoire Above: Strut clock with calendar and moon phase, Cartier Paris, c. 1912 Above: Minute repeater wristwatch with double chapter ring, c. 1912 Above: Santos, c. 1914, and Santos Droit, c. 1915 (top and
Jia Xian Has Cartier made any more of the double strap watches since 1970?
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for at least a decade. Such models can only be found as vintage watches on the secondary market. But as Geo notes, Roger Dubuis does make a double strap wristwatch, though it is quartz. - SJX
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