Continuous Innovation

CONTINUOUS INNOVATION

The quest for continuous improvement: this is Cartier’s ambition. An ambition where creative requirements become the driving force behind numerous watchmaking innovations. In 1904, the Maison created the first modern watch designed to be worn on the wrist. Since then, Cartier has filed over 100 patents and continues to do so regularly to this day.

PHOTOVOLTAIC PRINCIPLE

A research hub and innovative laboratory, the Manufacture has succeeded in applying the photovoltaic principle to the Tank watch's dial without altering its aesthetic. A true technical feat that relies on the delicate and invisible perforation of Roman numerals, whose openings let in light that reaches the photovoltaic cells hidden under the dial. It took two years for the development team to integrate this SolarBeatTM movement, with an average lifespan of 16 years, into the Tank Must, the first watch to benefit from this technology.

AN INNOVATIVE STRAP
PRODUCED WITH NO ANIMAL MATERIALS

AN INNOVATIVE STRAP
PRODUCED WITH NO ANIMAL MATERIALS

The Tank Must watch sees the introduction of a strap made from an innovative material that doesn't contain animal products and which guarantees a high level of quality and comfort.
It is made of approximately 40% plant matter produced using waste from apples. The production procedure represents a step forward in preserving the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, as well as saving water and energy in comparison to manufacturing a calfskin strap.
We've taken a local, European approach: the apples are grown and their waste collected in Europe, from the material production site in Italy, to the strap maker in Portugal and the watch assembly in Switzerland.

INTERCHANGEABLE FOLDING BUCKLE

INTERCHANGEABLE FOLDING BUCKLE

The interchangeable folding buckle is heavily inspired by the original Cartier folding buckle. Now patented, it is the result of a 3-year project in which each detail was painstakingly designed to provide very high levels of security, comfort and personalisation.

SMARTLINK

SMARTLINK

The SmartLink system allows the strap length to be adjusted by the owner without the use of a tool. Each SmartLink link is equipped with a push button that releases the fixing bar allowing for the removal or addition of links. A patent has been filed for this innovation.

QUICKSWITCH

QUICKSWITCH

With the QuickSwitch system, straps can be changed with a single push. Whether gold, steel or leather, an invisible mechanism located under the case allows for the strap colour and material to be changed. A patent has been filed for this innovation.