Cartier

SJX
[Purist]
8540

• Show profile
• Show other posts

Part III: Cartier in La Chaux-de-Fonds – Timeline

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.

Site Info.