Cartier was a jeweler and designer first, and watchmaker second –*so what you end up with are timepieces that look simply like nothing else out there.
Just like how Ralph Lauren is clothing first, watches 2nd.
Just like how Leebee is trunk makers and leather products maker first, watches 2nd
Just like how Mont Blanc is upmarket pen maker first, watches 2nd.
Just like what the article mentioned...
in order for people who are really into watches or avid horological lovers, to sit up and seriously consider Cartier, Mont Blanc as serious watch makers, they need to invest heavily, have separate watch-making divisions, create their own movements etc
Plus Since Mont Blanc, Cartier, JLC, ALS, VC are all under the richemont group, therefore it's easy to share watchmaking resources and knowledge around, especially from JLC and ALS.
The most significant was Ex JLC CEO Jerome Lambert joining Montblanc as CEO in July 2013. And almost immediately, the designs of Mont Blanc watches started to look more visually appealing and attracting young executives with high spending power...
Still... having said so much...
Cartier was jewelry maker first, still is and will always be... unless someone becomes CEO and changes everything
Roots don't change...