Cartier

In a discussion in another thread ( click here to see it), MartinGreen rightly commented that few companies make their own quartz movements. That is indeed the case. As I wrote in that thread: "... quartz movements, mostly simple date-only types, are made...  

When did they start this inhouse Quartz manufacture? Or has been in-house since a long time ago?

From the late 80s or early 90s, I will have more precise dates soon. You have to realise that by the 80s Cartier was once of the largest luxury watchmakers in the world, and still is, hence it is one of the few that has the scale to make quartz movements ... 

Quartz often has the reputation of being cheap, but these movements certainly proof otherwise! Very nice! Looks like Cartier is heading of becomming a full blown Manufacture! Martin

Making not only quartz calibres but mechanical ones as well, and the other components of a watch. More to come on that topic over the coming weeks. - SJX

But since they still use ETA-based movements in a couple of models they are still not a complete Manufacture.. Looking forward to more posts! Thanks! Martin

Is it a matter of intellectual property or physical production? Indeed Cartier uses ETA based calibres, but it is capable of making all parts of a watch, from hands to bracelet, at La Chaux-de-Fonds. It can also develop a movement from scratch, as evidenc...