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Cartier has always been a name synonymous with timelessness. Whether you’re admiring the polished curves of a Tank watch or the meticulous brilliance of a diamond necklace, there’s an unmissable essence of artistry that flows through every creation. Yet, nestled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, lies a place where Cartier’s commitment to craftsmanship goes beyond mere creation. The Maison des Métiers d’Art—a restored 17th-century farmhouse turned state-of-the-art atelier — is more than just a workshop but rather, a dialogue between past and future, jewellery and horology, preservation and innovation.
The Maison des Métiers d’Art is, at its heart, a sanctuary. Opened in 2014, it was born of Cartier’s desire to rescue and reinterpret rare crafts at risk of extinction. Today, it functions as a bridge between centuries-old traditions and the cutting-
edge technologies that define modern luxury. It is here that techniques like enamel granulation and wood marquetry are reimagined for an ever-evolving world, merging with contemporary aesthetics and creating pieces that are as much art as they are adornment.
For Karim Drici, Industrial Director at Cartier, the Maison is the beating heart of the brand’s ethos. “When the Maison des Métiers d’Art was opened, Cartier’s mission was to revive and reinterpret savoir-faire threatened with extinction,” he explains.
“In terms of Métiers d’Art, pieces represented only one technique, such as the wood marquetry. A few years later, we started combining different techniques on one model, such as enamel and granulation, or enamelling and setting, which we can see in the enamel Crash Tigrée or the enamel Panthère Songeuse. To give one more example, the Ronde Louis Cartier Zebra and Giraffe combine in one dial the savoir-faire of marquetry and granulation.”
The Maison des Métiers d’Art is an ecosystem. Under its roof, artisans trained in crafts ranging from gem-setting to enamelling collaborate with watchmakers and designers to blur the boundaries between disciplines. The goal isn’t simply to make a beautiful product but to push the boundaries of what craftsmanship can achieve.
“We have sublimated ancestral craftsmanship through modern techniques, to get the best of both worlds: innovation and craftsmanship at the service of aesthetics,” says Drici. He points to Cartier’s enamel granulation as a prime example. “It is the perfect example of how important it is to be anchored in tradition to be able to innovate. It is because our artisan masters the traditional enamel techniques on one hand and the granulation on the other that they were able to imagine with design teams a new technique in order to give colour to the traditional Etruscan granulation.”
This marriage of tradition and innovation is nowhere more apparent than in the Maison’s physical space. The building itself—a 1,500-square-metre Bernese-style farmhouse—has been lovingly restored, with salvaged wood panelling, stone floors, and antique doors that honour its heritage. At the same time, modern architectural elements like a central light shaft ensure that this historic space meets the needs of contemporary craftsmanship. It’s a metaphor, perhaps, for Cartier’s broader vision: deeply rooted in the past but always looking forward.
Central to the Maison’s mission is the preservation of endangered crafts. In an era when automation and mass production threaten to eclipse handwork, Cartier is actively championing the artisans behind their creations. “Transmission is a priority for the Maison des Métiers d’Art,” says Drici. “We collaborate closely with schools and training establishments in France and Switzerland, focusing on gem-setting, jewellery, and watchmaking to select and train artisans.” This ensures that ancient techniques are not only preserved but also adapted to contemporary needs.
This dedication to education extends beyond the Maison itself. In 1993, Cartier inaugurated its Watchmaking Institute, which now trains between 150 and 200 apprentices annually. These efforts ensure that the skills honed over generations will endure, empowering a new wave of artisans to carry the torch. “It will remain the place whose mission is to innovate, preserve, and pass on the know-how to the next generation.” As Drici puts it, “Developing new artistic crafts through a dialogue between tradition and modernity will enable these crafts to stand the test of time, which is our commitment.”
The Maison is also where Cartier’s twin identities—as both jeweller and watchmaker—intersect most profoundly. For Cartier, these are not separate realms but complementary disciplines. The precision of horology informs the delicate artistry of gem-setting, while the bold creativity of jewellery inspires innovative timepiece designs. “Cartier is approaching watchmaking through the eyes of a jeweller and with the finest watchmaking precision and expertise,” says Drici. “We constantly nurture an exceptional dialogue between jewellery and watchmaking and the Maison des Métiers d’Art is a place where they both come
together. The watchmakers will work alongside the jewellers on many of our creations.”
This synergy can be seen in creations like the enamel Panthère Songeuse or the Crash Tigrée, where the meticulous precision of watchmaking meets the sculptural artistry of jewellery design. These are not just watches; they are wearable art, each one a testament to the Maison’s commitment to beauty, innovation, and craftsmanship.
As Cartier celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Maison des Métiers d’Art, the question naturally arises: What’s next? For Drici, the answer lies in continuing to push boundaries. “The Maison des Métiers d’Art will keep driving the creativity and craftsmanship of our collections,” he says. “We aim to welcome more artisans and train the next generation through apprenticeships, ensuring that these rare crafts continue to evolve.”
This vision for the future is rooted in Cartier’s unwavering dedication to design. From the square elegance of the Santos to the iconic curves of the Tank, Cartier’s watches have always defied convention. Yet, as Drici points out, it’s not just about aesthetics. “Craftsmanship is paired with the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve the quality and precision our clients demand. But at Cartier, technique always serves design. That’s what makes our creations timeless.”
Timelessness is, perhaps, the ultimate goal of the Maison des Métiers d’Art. It’s a place where ancient skills are given new life, where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony. In an era of disposable luxury, Cartier stands as a beacon of enduring beauty—a reminder that true craftsmanship is never out of style.
For Drici, the Maison is more than a workshop; it’s a legacy. “Our mission remains to create strong and durable designs that transcend times without ageing,” he says. By preserving rare crafts, fostering innovation, and passing on expertise to the next generation, the story of Cartier continues to evolve. And at the heart of that story is the Maison des Métiers d’Art—a place where time itself is transformed into art.
WORDS: MEERAN MEKKAOUI
