“The Man by Cartier” Exhibit Now at Harrods

While Cartier’s watches for the ladies have gotten the lion’s share of attention over the brand’s long and illustrious history, a new exhibit is showing off the line’s more masculine side. “The Man by Cartier” is a reminder of why this legendary name has created some of the most memorable timepieces ever—for the guys, too.

Several windows at Harrods in London are currently devoted to Cartier’s rich history of making luxury watches for discerning men. With an in-store video, holograms, digital displays and spaces displaying some of the more iconic timepieces in the brand’s lifetime, “The Man by Cartier” is a must-see for fanciers of some of the finest watches ever made.

The exhibit is a reminder that even though the brand is known for designing the most classically timeless watches for fashionable ladies, a gentleman named Louis-Francois Cartier founded the house of Cartier back in 1847. His three sons Louis, Jacques and Pierre followed in their father’s footsteps by creating fine timepieces for famous men of the day including King Edward VIII of Great Britain. His highness praised Cartier as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.”

The very first watch created by the brand owes its design to one masculine adventurer who presented his problem to the founder of Cartier. One of the earliest aviators, Alberto Santos-Dumont, told Louis-François Cartier that it was a challenge to read a pocket watch while piloting an airplane. Cartier solved his dilemma by creating the brand’s very first wristwatch. More fine timepieces followed, attracting a clientele of both daring explorers and the even more adventurous barons of industry.

Among the memorable pieces on display in “The Man by Cartier” are the elegantly classic Tank, the sculpturally ornate Tortue, the stunning Ballon and the complex Rotonde de Cartier. The latter is noted for its complications, which can be viewed in the exhibit.

The most recent item featured is the Calibre de Cartier Diver which made its debut earlier this year. This timepiece brings the diving watch to a whole new level of quality with its boldly handsome face executed in monochromatic rose gold. This elegant display is protected from the elements by unique coatings and a rubber strap. This watch is ready for even deep sea diving since it is water resistant up to 300 meters.

“The Man by Cartier” celebrates the 110th anniversary of the brand’s first wristwatch and is currently taking up four Brompton Road windows of Harrods ground floor. In addition to iconic items from the Cartier archives, visitors can view a pair of innovative concept watches dubbed Cartier ID One and Cartier ID Two.

“The Man by Cartier” will run through Wednesday, November 19th. Harrods is located at 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom. If you can’t make it to London, you can learn more about the exhibit at Harrods.com.