From October 7 to 10, 2026, Cartier invites the public to discover “Watchmaker of Shapes, Master of Crafts”, a boutique exhibition dedicated to the Maison’s singular watchmaking identity. The exhibition explores Cartier’s enduring creative vision through a selection of heritage timepieces from the Cartier Collection and celebrates the 10th opus of Cartier Privé, a collection devoted to the reinterpretation of the Maison’s most emblematic watch shapes. A selection of 22 timepieces, spanning the 1900s to the 2010s, highlights the key pillars of the Maison’s watchmaking vision. Featuring sought-after collector’s pieces, creations from the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP) and earlier Cartier Privé editions, it traces the evolution of Cartier’s watchmaking through some of its most emblematic designs.
“This exhibition in Geneva reflects the longstanding relationship between Cartier and Switzerland, a country that lies at the heart of our watchmaking identity. I am delighted to share this exceptional experience with our clients, collectors, and with everyone wishing to discover the world of watchmaking. It is a celebration of the heritage, creativity, and unique craftsmanship that continue to define our Maison today.” says Alban du Mesnil, Cartier Switzerland Managing Director.
A Celebration of Cartier as Watchmaker of Shapes
Conceived as an immersive experience, the boutique exhibition unfolds within a scenography inspired by the universe of Cartier watchmaking. Brushed gold finishes, warm wood textures, curved silhouettes and subtle light contrasts create an environment that echoes the elegance and refinement of the creations on display.
Cartier has distinguished itself through an approach where form is celebrated as the driving force of creation, elevated by technical skill. From the Tank to the Tortue, the Cloche, the Crash and countless other creations, the Maison explores a whole territory of new forms, turning watchmaking design into a language of expression.
“Watchmaker of Shapes, Master of Crafts” pays tribute to this singular vision by presenting a selection of historic timepieces that illustrate the richness of Cartier’s repertoire of forms and the creative audacity that has defined its watchmaking history.
Through these creations, visitors are invited to discover how design, craftsmanship and technical innovation come together. As both a jeweller and a watchmaker, Cartier naturally builds bridges between these two métiers, continually pushing the boundaries of aesthetics.
The 10th Opus of Cartier Privé
The exhibition also celebrates the 10th opus of Cartier Privé, a collection launched in 2015 and dedicated to the contemporary reinterpretation of landmark models.
Over the past decade, Cartier Privé has revisited some of the Maison’s most celebrated creations, including the Crash, Tank Cintrée, Tonneau, Tank Asymétrique, Cloche, Tank Chinoise, Tank Normale, Tortue and Tank à Guichets. Each edition has demonstrated Cartier’s ability to renew, bringing historic designs into the present while preserving their distinctive character.
For its 10th opus, three of the most emblematic shapes from previous editions are celebrated: the Tank Normale, the Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir and the Crash Squelette. This exceptional triptych also pays tribute to platinum, the Maison's signature material, enhanced with burgundy accents, echoing Cartier’s signature color combination, for a refined and timeless aesthetic.
The exhibition highlights how Cartier Privé has become an essential means of celebrating the Maison’s design heritage and reaffirming the central role of form within Cartier watchmaking.
Cartier Collection: A Living Heritage
The exhibition draws from the Cartier Collection, an exceptional selection of creations made by Cartier from 1847, the year the Maison was founded, to present day. Created in 1983, the Cartier Collection originated from the Maison’s long-standing commitment to preserving and transmitting its creative heritage. Today it comprises more than 3,500 creations, including jewellery, timepieces, and precious objects, reflecting nearly 180 years of style, innovation and savoir-faire.
“The Cartier Collection is unparalleled, bringing together around 1,350 watches and clocks that trace the creative history of Cartier watchmaking and its artistic and stylistic evolution. The watches on display have been carefully selected from the nearly 1,000 wristwatches that are now part of the Cartier Collection.” explains Pascale Lepeu, Cartier Collection Director.Far more than a repository of exceptional objects, the Cartier Collection serves as a living resource for research, conservation and cultural transmission. Through museum exhibitions and institutional collaborations around the world, it enables audiences to discover the evolution of Cartier’s aesthetic language and the enduring relevance of its creations.
Practical Information
“Watchmaker of Shapes, Master of Crafts”
Cartier Geneva Boutique - Rue du Rhône 35, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
From October 7 to October 10, 2026
