A brief look at Cartier's in-house quartz calibres

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 in-house at Cartier. They are designed and assembled at Cartier, with certain components, primarily the IC, being made by suppliers; in terms of intellectual property it is 100% Cartier. The mechanical components of the quartz calibre are mostly made in-house."

And here are two photos of actual quartz movements taken from the production line. As you can see they are decorated with Cotes de Geneve. While quartz movements do not need such decoration - they can't be seen and usually buyers are not concerned about this - Cartier decorates all its quartz calibres as a matter of principle that quality matters regardless.

More soon on production at La Chaux-de-Fonds.

- SJX

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Interesting

By: djmm : May 29th, 2010-01:31

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

It has been for many years

By: SJX : May 29th, 2010-06:55

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 ...

Thanks for the pictures!

By: Martin Green : June 1st, 2010-01:26

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

It is already a full blown manufacture.

By: SJX : June 1st, 2010-04:42

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

True

By: Martin Green : June 1st, 2010-05:03

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

Definitions of a manufacture

By: SJX : June 1st, 2010-05:39

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...