Cartier Santos Demoiselle Mother Of Pearl & Steel Watch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Stainless Steel
- Movement:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition – Good (Scratches).
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel High End Jewellery Collection Baguette Diamond J12 Automatic WatchBy ChanelLocated in London, GBChanel High End Jewellery Collection Baguette Diamond J12 Automatic Watch Chromatic coloured, titanium ceramic watch with 18k Rose gold trim to the...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Omega Quadrella Constellation Mother Of Pearl & Diamond WatchBy OmegaLocated in London, GBOmega Quadrella Constellation Mother Of Pearl & Diamond Watch The Constellation Quadrella model accentuates its Constellation heritage with 48 brilliant white diamond claws. Roman n...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel
- Hermes Diamond Nantucket Watch With Alligator StrapBy HermèsLocated in London, GBHermes Diamond Nantucket Watch With Alligator Strap Flaunting brilliant white diamonds to the stainless steel case and the face. Set with 55 diamonds totalling .30cts. Bright red...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel
- Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamondBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBChristian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond dot hour markers. Stainless steel case and strap with deployment buckle closure. Size - 23mm Condit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
- De Grisogono 'Be Eight' 18k Rose Gold & Diamond WatchBy de GRISOGONOLocated in London, GBRare Item - De Grisogono 'Be Eight' 18k Rose Gold & Diamond Watch Solid heavy 18k gold watch with champagne gold face and diamond set hour markers. Set with 186 brilliant white di...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Gucci Full Pave Diamond Face - Twirl WatchBy GucciLocated in London, GBRare Model - Gucci Full Pave Diamond Face - Twirl Watch This is a rare version of this watch with full brilliant white pave diamond face. Twist the face to wear either with watch ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel
- IWC Portofino Romana Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phase, 18 Karat Gold, IW2050By IWCLocated in Berlin, DEIWC Portofino Romana Perpetual Calendar 18 Karat Gold, IW2050 From private collection. Including certificate of authenticity.Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Lady Diving GMT, 18K Roségold and DiamondsBy Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Berlin, DEFrom first owner. Purchased at Wempe, Germany. Watch is in very good condition! Ref. Q1892420 Strap used. If you wish, you will receive a new bracelet before shipping! Including o...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph, DFB Soccer Edition, Ref. 3784, IW378404By IWCLocated in Berlin, DEIWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph, DFB Soccer Edition (German Football Association) Ref. 3784, IW378404 Full Set. Watch comes with original Box and Pap...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Steel Lady Tubogas Bvlgari BB26 Wrist Watch, QuartzBy BulgariLocated in Antwerp, BETop Condition Steel Lady Tubogas Bvlgari BB26 Wrist Watch, Quartz Reference number: BB262TS Movement: Quartz Case: Stainless steel, diameter 26 mm thickness 6 mm, bezel engraved ...Category
20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Rolex Daytona, REF. 116589RBRBy RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex Daytona, 116589 40mm 18k White Gold Factory Diamond Dial. The Timepiece is powered by an automatic movement and features: 18k White Gold round case and clasp, and two-piece All...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 18K White Gold Silver Diamond Dial Watch 19019, 1979By RolexLocated in Central & Western District, HKBrand: Vintage Rolex Model: 19019 Year: 1979 Serial number: 62xxxxx Reference: C03963 Case: 18K white gold 36mm without crown; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; in...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.