The first watch ever created by Cartier came into existence in 1904, when the Brazilian Aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont asked the jeweler to make him a watch that would be more adequate to use during his flights. This timepiece became known as the "Santos" wristwatch, named after the pilot himself. The Santos, however, did not go on the market until 1911. Two years after the creation of the first men’s wristwatch, in 1906, the world saw the creation of jeweled watches by Cartier.

Another one of Cartier’s landmark timepieces is the "Tank". It was created in 1917, in honor of the Allied Tank commanders who fought for France in World War I. In 1907 François signed a contract with Edmond Jaeger, who agreed to supply the movements for Cartier watches. They later formed a joint company, which is now known as Jaeger-Le Coultre. Cartier also designed and patented what is now known as the "deployant folding clasp" in 1910. By 1933, François had designed a watch that was truly water resistant, as was the request of the Pasha of Marrakech. As it would seem, Cartier has a history full of quality, splendor, and innovation that expands throughout time and generations.