Cartier Cartier fragrances and colognes The fashion house Cartier was founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier. Known for its exquisite jewelry collection, the company's reputation grew in the late 1800s, with the help of his son Alfred Cartier and his grandsons Pierre and Jacques. The company gained notoriety in 1904 when Louis Cartier released the first wristwatch for aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. This iconic masterpiece was known as the Santos. Presidents and aristocrats from all over the world flocked to Cartier for its famed jewelry and watches during the 20th century.