The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Castagna model from the permanent collection, this mecaquartz chrono (Seiko VK64) is an absolute bomb and a beautiful tribute to the 1463 by Patek Philippe. Delivered in a great packaging with two very well-made vegetable leather straps. An unrivaled level of finish and rendering for less than €1000.

A mechaquartz for impeccable

Cartier Santos-Dumont large model. Quartz movement and it suits it well since I don't wear it every day. The dial is beautiful, the level of finish is also very good and the bracelet is very high quality with a pin buckle. It goes just as well with a suit as with more casual outfits, even a t-shirt or polo shirt. It is discreet but attracts a lot of compliments. It is an ideal watch to celebrate a life event as are all Cartier watches!

The all-terrain elegance of Cartier

Sea-Gull 1963. While browsing YouTube videos, I came across this model praised by several "Watch enthusiasts". Beyond the small difficulties of acquisition, necessarily online, the model presents an excellent level of finish for this price. The movement is correct and the model arouses curiosity.

Sea-Gull 1963, original small Chinese chronometer

The brand Cartier, recognized worldwide as a symbol of prestige and luxury, has a rich history spanning more than a century and a half. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Fran&ccedil;ois Cartier, it has since been associated with royalty and the worldly elite. During the post-war period in the 1950s, Cartier began to consolidate its position as a leader in the field of fine watchmaking. Innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship have led to global brand recognition.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Cartier brand</h2>
One of the key moments for Cartier was the creation of the Tank watch in 1917. Inspired by British tanks from the First World War, it quickly became a symbol of modernity and elegance. Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, Catherine Deneuve and Yves Saint-Laurent were among the famous wearers of this model.&nbsp;During the 1960s and 1970s, Cartier continued to innovate with bold designs and new collections. In 1972, the company came under the control of the Pearson Group, marking a crucial step in its international expansion.
Cartier's commitment to excellence, innovation and unique design has allowed the brand to remain at the top of the fine jewelry and watchmaking industry, an integral part of global luxury culture.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Cartier&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier/tank">Cartier Tank</a></h3>
The model Tank is undoubtedly one of the most iconic watches of all time. Designed in 1917 by Louis Cartier himself, the design is inspired by Renault military tanks which could be observed from the windows of Cartier's studio in Paris during the First World War. The silhouette of the Tank is simple but bold, characterized by its straight and parallel lines of the case, symbolizing the tracks of the tank, while the bezel evokes the turret of this same war machine.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier/santos">Cartier Santos</a></h3>
The Cartier Santos holds a special place in watchmaking history, as it is considered one of the first wristwatches created specifically for men. Born from a friendship between Louis Cartier and the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was designed in 1904 to meet Santos-Dumont's need to be able to tell the time while piloting his plane.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cartier Pasha</h3>
The Cartier Pasha is more than a watch; she is a style statement. It embodies a time when luxury and adventure went hand in hand, and where elegance was not incompatible with robustness. The Pasha is a watch for those looking to stand out from the crowd, and it continues to be a pillar in the Cartier collection. The Pasha's bold design and refined details make it a timeless piece that transcends generations.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cartier Ballon Bleu</h3>
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a watch that combines tradition and innovation. Its soft shape and clean dial make it a refined choice for those who appreciate both classic style and modernity. Whether in simple version or with exquisite complications, the Ballon Bleu stands out for its timeless beauty and discreet elegance. It embodies the very essence of what a Cartier watch should be, with a distinctive design that is both instantly recognizable and universally appealing.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cartier Panth&egrave;re</h3>
The Cartier Panth&egrave;re is more than a watch; it's a jewel, a style statement. She captures the essence of the modern woman: independent, elegant and daring. The Panth&egrave;re continues to be a preferred choice for those seeking a watch that is both a fashion accessory and an emblem of Cartier's rich and innovative history. Its timeless design ensures that it will remain a beloved classic for generations to come.
<h2 dir="ltr">Cartier: The Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers</h2>
Cartier embodies the quintessence of luxury and elegance in the world of watchmaking. Each model tells a story, reflecting the cultural richness and innovation that are at the heart of the brand. Its royal heritage and commitment to artisanal excellence position Cartier as a go-to brand for those seeking to express sophistication and status. The variety of designs, ranging from classic to modern, ensures that every wearer finds a piece that suits them.
The brand's website is an essential source of useful information, as are watchmaking blogs. The Dialicious Owners' reviews are also essential to make the right choice of models from this prestigious brand. Choosing a Cartier watch is choosing a piece of history, an object of art, and a symbol of status and success in today's world.
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands</a>, including Cartier.
(Updated December 2023)

Accustomed to round sports watches with black backgrounds, this Cartier breaks my usual codes: square shape, white background, Roman numerals... it is a watch of incredible elegance, moreover it is unclassifiable. Cartier is a real watch manufacturer and this idea takes on its full meaning when you put it on your wrist.

Shake up the codes

What can I say about this model, a total success. The Santos Dumont is an iconic watch, with all the Cartier codes, the secret signature, the sword hands, the railway minute track…

Two hands, extra flat, a sublime leather strap, it is the elegant watch to have in a collection. In my opinion, in the Santos range, it is the most refined, the one that stands out among the very pretty dress watches.


The sublime Santos Dumont.


This watch can mean different things to different people, but to me it embodies an immense history enclosed in a magnificently proportioned case.

It is indeed a watch originally created for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who made the first successful flight in an airplane in 1906. At the pilot's request, his friend Louis Cartier is said to have presented him in 1904 with a watch designed to be worn on the wrist, allowing him to time his flights without having to let go of the controls to manipulate a pocket watch. I find it fascinating that the alliance between these two pioneers, Louis Cartier and Alberto Santos-Dumont, not only revolutionized the way watches are worn today, but also pioneered the concept of the tool watch. The choice of gold for a tool watch may seem paradoxical, but what other choice could there be to accompany an aristocrat, a member of the Parisian elite of the early 20th century, on his aerial adventures? Probably my favorite detail on this watch.

But the story behind this watch is also emotional to me. After breaking many records and contributing significantly to the developments of aviation, Alberto Santos-Dumont spent decades campaigning tirelessly against the use of airplanes as weapons of war, particularly upset by their role in World War I. He considered the airplane to be partly his invention and its use in the world wars tormented him until the end of his life. His famous statement, “I never thought that my creation could allow brothers to kill brothers”. Certainly a man I find remarkable, whose destiny seems to me very linked to that of Oppenheimer and who in my humble opinion should be highlighted by Cartier to promote their eponymous watch.

As for the design, this 1575 pre-CPCP faithfully reflects the original design, right down to the screws on the bezel, designed to recall the structure of the Eiffel Tower. This case embodies for me the height of the artistic effervescence of the Belle Époque and it is the first incarnation of the so emblematic design of Cartier that I particularly admire. Moreover, although the current design of the Santos and Santos-Dumont is different, they symbolize, like the original SD, the evolution of lifestyles, in particular the possibility of wearing them with a metal bracelet. This watch is exceptionally long-lasting.

The movement of this 1575 is just as historic since it is the F. Piguet caliber 21, which held the record for the thinnest manual movement for 21 years. Its longevity is just as remarkable as the design of the Santos-Dumont since it was produced from 1925 until the 2000s. I am a fan of two or three hands, and an ultra-thin movement represents for me one of the most beautiful complications a watch can have. While the design may be striking, it is extremely discreet in its size and exceptional thinness. It fits my wrist perfectly, becoming one with me. I also appreciate the fact that it leaves enough space for the bracelet, showing off a beautiful leather strap. Everything I love...

While I am not an aviation enthusiast, this watch has as much historical significance to me as a Speedmaster. It is a bastion of history, utility and design with a presence that cannot be ignored.

A condensed history

Atelier Jalaper est une marque horlog&egrave;re franco-belge fond&eacute;e en 2019 par Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper. Elle se distingue par une approche unique qui fusionne l'horlogerie traditionnelle avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile en int&eacute;grant des &eacute;l&eacute;ments authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires dans ses montres.
<h3>Origines et Fondation</h3>
Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper se sont rencontr&eacute;s lors de leurs &eacute;tudes &agrave; l'ESCP Europe, partageant une passion commune pour l'horlogerie et l'automobile. Leur ambition &eacute;tait de cr&eacute;er une montre qui ne se contenterait pas de s'inspirer du design automobile, mais qui int&eacute;grerait v&eacute;ritablement une partie de l'histoire automobile. Cette vision les a conduits &agrave; fonder Atelier Jalaper en 2019.
<h3>Concept et Philosophie</h3>
La philosophie d'Atelier Jalaper repose sur l'id&eacute;e de donner une nouvelle vie &agrave; des voitures embl&eacute;matiques en les int&eacute;grant dans des montres de haute qualit&eacute;. Chaque garde-temps est con&ccedil;u avec des cadrans fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires, offrant ainsi aux passionn&eacute;s une connexion tangible avec l'histoire automobile.
<h3>Collections et Mod&egrave;les</h3>
Collection DB5
La premi&egrave;re collection d'Atelier Jalaper rend hommage &agrave; l'Aston Martin DB5, une ic&ocirc;ne des ann&eacute;es 1960. Les cadrans de ces montres sont d&eacute;coup&eacute;s dans le capot en aluminium d'une v&eacute;ritable DB5, conf&eacute;rant &agrave; chaque pi&egrave;ce une patine unique. La collection comprend quatre mod&egrave;les :
<ul>
<li>AJ001-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ001-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
<li>AJ002-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage du jour et de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ002-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
</ul>
Ces montres sont &eacute;quip&eacute;es de mouvements automatiques Miyota, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche de 42 heures.
Collection Miura
La deuxi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Lamborghini Miura, souvent consid&eacute;r&eacute;e comme la premi&egrave;re supercar au monde. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de la Miura, et la collection propose plusieurs variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-P400-V : Version avec r&eacute;haut vert</li>
<li>AJ-P400-N : Version avec r&eacute;haut noir</li>
<li>AJ-P400-O : Version avec r&eacute;haut orange</li>
<li>AJ-P400-B : Version avec r&eacute;haut bleu</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage manuel Sellita SW270-1 M, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 45 heures.
Collection Jaguar Type E
La troisi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Jaguar Type E, l'une des autos les plus reconnaissables entre toutes. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques d'une Jaguar Type E semi-lightweight de 1962, et la collection propose deux variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-003-B : Version au cadran stri&eacute;</li>
<li>AJ-003-W : Version au cadran noir anodis&eacute;</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage automatique Sellita SW300-1, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 42 heures.
<h3>Processus de Fabrication et Savoir-Faire</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collabore avec des artisans et des experts horlogers bas&eacute;s &agrave; La Chaux-de-Fonds, en Suisse, pour assurer une qualit&eacute; exceptionnelle. Le processus de fabrication implique une d&eacute;coupe pr&eacute;cise des pi&egrave;ces automobiles pour cr&eacute;er des cadrans uniques, suivie d'un assemblage minutieux pour garantir la fiabilit&eacute; et l'esth&eacute;tique de chaque montre.
<h3>Engagement envers l'Authenticit&eacute; et l'Innovation</h3>
La marque s'engage &agrave; pr&eacute;server l'authenticit&eacute; des mat&eacute;riaux utilis&eacute;s tout en innovant dans le design et la fonctionnalit&eacute;. Chaque montre est num&eacute;rot&eacute;e et porte en elle l'&acirc;me de la voiture dont elle est issue, offrant aux collectionneurs et aux passionn&eacute;s une pi&egrave;ce de l'histoire automobile &agrave; leur poignet.
<h3>R&eacute;ception et Perspectives d'Avenir</h3>
Depuis son lancement, Atelier Jalaper a re&ccedil;u des retours positifs pour son concept novateur et la qualit&eacute; de ses montres. La marque continue d'explorer de nouvelles collaborations avec des voitures l&eacute;gendaires, &eacute;largissant ainsi sa collection et renfor&ccedil;ant sa position unique &agrave; l'intersection de l'horlogerie et de l'automobile.
En conclusion, Atelier Jalaper se distingue par sa capacit&eacute; &agrave; fusionner l'art horloger avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile, cr&eacute;ant des montres qui racontent une histoire unique et offrent une exp&eacute;rience &eacute;motionnelle aux passionn&eacute;s des deux univers.
Inspirez-vous des avis clients Dialicious pour choisir la montre Atelier Jalaper qui vous convient le mieux. D&eacute;couvrez &eacute;galement le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_de_sports_mecaniques">classement des marques de montres inspir&eacute;es du sport automobile</a>.
(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)

Atelier Jalaper is a Franco-Belgian watch brand founded in 2019 by Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper. It is distinguished by a unique approach that merges traditional watchmaking with automotive heritage by integrating authentic elements of legendary cars into its watches.
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Foundation</h3>
Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper met during their studies at ESCP Europe, sharing a common passion for watchmaking and automobiles. Their ambition was to create a watch that would not only be inspired by automotive design, but would truly incorporate a part of automotive history. This vision led them to found Atelier Jalaper in 2019.
<h3 dir="ltr">Concept and Philosophy</h3>
Atelier Jalaper's philosophy is based on the idea of ​​giving new life to iconic cars by integrating them into high-quality watches. Each timepiece is designed with dials made from authentic parts from legendary cars, providing enthusiasts with a tangible connection to automotive history.
<h3 dir="ltr">Collections and Models</h3>
Collection DB5
Atelier Jalaper's first collection pays homage to the Aston Martin DB5, an icon of the 1960s. The dials of these watches are cut from the aluminum cover of a real DB5, giving each piece a unique patina. The collection includes four models:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-S: Model with date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-B:&nbsp;Version with black PVD case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-S: Model with day and date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-B: Version with black PVD case
</li>
</ul>
These watches are equipped with Miyota automatic movements, offering a power reserve of 42 hours.
Collection Miura
The second collection is inspired by the Lamborghini Miura, often considered the world's first supercar. The dials are made from authentic Miura parts, and the collection offers several variations:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-V: Version with green flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-N: Version with black flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-O: Version with orange flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-B: Version with blue flange
</li>
</ul>
These models are powered by Sellita SW270-1 M hand-wound movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.
Jaguar E-Type Collection
The third collection is inspired by the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most recognizable cars of all. The dials are made from genuine parts from a 1962&nbsp;Jaguar E-Type semi-lightweight, and the collection offers two variants:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-B: Version with vertically brushed dial
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-W: Version with black anodized dial
</li>
</ul>
These models are driven by Sellita SW300-1 self-winding movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
<h3 dir="ltr">Manufacturing Process and Know-How</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collaborates with artisans and watchmaking experts based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to ensure exceptional quality. The manufacturing process involves precise cutting of automotive parts to create unique dials, followed by careful assembly to ensure the reliability and aesthetics of each watch.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Authenticity and Innovation</h3>
The brand is committed to preserving the authenticity of the materials used while innovating in design and functionality. Each watch is numbered and carries within it the soul of the car from which it comes, offering collectors and enthusiasts a piece of automotive history on their wrist.
<h3 dir="ltr">Reception and Future Prospects</h3>
Since its launch, Atelier Jalaper has received positive feedback for its innovative concept and the quality of its watches. The brand continues to explore new collaborations with legendary cars, expanding its collection and strengthening its unique position at the intersection of watchmaking and automobiles.&nbsp;In conclusion, Atelier Jalaper stands out for its ability to merge the art of watchmaking with automotive heritage, creating watches that tell a unique story and offer an emotional experience to enthusiasts of both worlds.
Take inspiration from Dialicious customer reviews to choose the Atelier Jalaper watch that suits you best. Also discover the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_brands_of_motor_sports_watches">ranking of watch brands inspired by motorsport</a>.
(Updated March 2025)

Cartier Santos Dumont Owner Review : Beautiful, tremendous and refined

The all-terrain elegance of Cartier

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