The world-renowned French Cartier jewelry company was started by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847. Starting off with high quality mechanical pocket watches which were the timepiece of choice at that time, it wasn’t until 1904 when the first Cartier men’s wristwatch was launched courtesy of the founder’s grandson Louis Cartier. This landmark Cartier watch design is very much similar to that of present day watches.

From that time on, Cartier has produced many well-loved timepieces, making it one of the most successful watch companies in the world to date. Among its vast collection, here are the five most popular Cartier watch models.

•The Cartier Santos: Originally designed and created for Brazilian pioneer aviator Albert-Santos-Dumont, the Cartier Santos is also the very first men’s wrist watch model launched by the Cartier brand in 1904. Santos-Dumont complained of his difficulties handling a pocket watch while frequently flying to visit his friend Louis Cartier, so the latter designed a flat wristwatch with a square bezel to address this concern. The watch became an instant hit with other Cartier clients as well and still remains a popular favorite up to today.

•The Cartier Tank: Making its debut in 1917, the Cartier Tank continues to be one of the top Cartier watches with over thirty variations now comprising the line. Inspired by newly introduced war machines at that time, the Tank integrates a rectangular watch case and features rounded corners with very smooth edges. Over the decades it has remained a particular favorite among top celebrities, thanks to its modern and fashionable yet versatile look.

•The Cartier Pasha: As the name suggests, the Cartier Pasha was originally designed and created for the Pasha of Marrakech who had requested for a watch that could be worn while swimming. Following this request, one of the first ever water-resistant watches was produced in 1933 – the Cartier Pasha. To date, it retains its beautiful, modern-looking round watch face with the distinctively clean design it was originally known for.

•The Cartier Roadster: Coming much later in 2001, this popular automotive-inspired Cartier watch model comes with a sporty yet elegant design that speaks of sheer power and performance. The face is shaped like an elongated barrel and features a unique crown that resembles a turbine. Bearing the ability to be worn for casual everyday use, the Roadster equally comes with the luster appropriate for more formal occasions.

•The Cartier Ballon Bleu: The Ballon Bleu is among the more recent additions to the Cartier watch family. Introduced in 2007, its main features include blue sword-shaped watch hands and traditional Roman numerals on a round face. On most models, a blue sapphire cabochon covers the crown. Among the most prominent pieces in this particular line is the Ballon Bleu de Cartier Flying Tourbillon which has earned its uniqueness with the tourbillon’s placement between the bridges and the main plate, thereby creating a “flying” effect.

No doubt Cartier watches never cease to suit the taste of discriminating watch enthusiasts all over the world. Over the past century, exquisite choice of materials and precise craftsmanship go into every Cartier timepiece, making the Cartier brand one on the most highly sought after names when it comes to quality watches.