This pocket watch, which belonged to Octave Girard (1837-1886), was produced by Louis-François Cartier (1819-1904) in the workshop that the latter took over in 1847 from his master craftsman Adolphe Picard on rue Montorgueil in Paris to establish Maison Cartier.

This jewellery shop expanded internationally thanks to his son, Alfred Cartier (1841-1925), and his grandsons, Louis Cartier (1875-1942) and Pierre Cartier (1878-1964).

In 1904, Louis Cartier created the very first watch to be worn on the wrist with a leather strap for an aviator friend of Brazilian origin, Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932), who at that time lived in Paris. Seven years later, in 1911, a version intended for a wider audience—Cartier’s “Santos” wristwatch—was launched.

The famous Maison Cartier remained in the hands of the Cartier family until 1964.

Donation from Dr. Conrad Godin

Musée Pierre-Boucher Collection

1987 146 O.3-1