MASTER OF THE HOUSE

AUGUSTMAN SPEAKS TO CARTIER'S IMAGE, STYLE, AND HERITAGE DIRECTOR PIERRE RAINERO ABOUT THE ART OF SHAPES AND TIMELESSNESS AS HE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS WITH THE BRAND.

- SUFFIAN HAKIM

IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, Cartier Image, Style, and Heritage Director Pierre Rainero will be celebrating his fourth decade with the brand. Having spent that much time in association with the brand, Monsieur Rainero has become the memory of the brand. He has seen Cartier take confident strides into the 21st century, playing a vital part in the globalisation of the luxury industry. He has worked with brand maestros such as Alain Perrin and Cyrille Vigneron.

Today, he is in charge of its archives, and ensuring that every Cartier product aligns with the aesthetic and cultural DNA of the brand. We met him at Watches and Wonders Geneva earlier this year, after Cartier had unveiled an impressive series of novelties for the fair. These novelties were awe-inspiring, but in Rainero’s hands, they took on a profound sense of history.

At Watches and Wonders, Cartier unveiled an array of novelties that highlight its technical innovation and artistic creativity, such as the Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph, featuring a monopoussoir chronograph complication, and the Animal Jewellery Watches collection showcased a unique chimera design, merging zebra and crocodile inspirations, fully paved with hand-lacquered stripes.

Meanwhile, the Santos de Cartier and Santos-Dumont Collections featured the Santos-Dumont Rewind Watch, a platinum limited edition with a carnelian dial and reverse time display, and the Santos de Cartier Dual Time Watch. These releases underscore Cartier’s dedication to high craftsmanship and avant-garde design.

Congratulations on 40 years with Cartier! That’s a very rare milestone in any brand. What made you stay this long?