Cartier

Founded in Paris, France , in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the company remained under family control until 1964. The company maintains its headquarters in Paris, although it is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Compagnie Financiere Richmond SA in Switzerland. In 1904, the Brazilian pioneer aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier of the unreliability and impracticality of using pocket watches while flying. Cartier designed a flat wristwatch with a distinctive square bezel. The watch was liked by not only Santos-Dumont but also many other customers. Thus the "Santos" was born. This was Cartier's First men's wristwatch.