The Cartier watch company was founded in 1847 by Louis-Franois Cartier, master jeweler to Europe's crowned heads. The first true Cartier wristwatch, the Santos, designed by Louis and named after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, was introduced in 1904. Jeweled wristwatches followed soon after in 1906. In 1917 the famous Cartier Tank watches were introduced. Long regarded as the single most important and influential watch design of the 20th century, the distinctive timepiece was designed in tribute to the Allied Tank commanders who helped defend France during World War I.
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