The name “Cartier” has been synonymous with luxury for decades – but the company that inspired the costumes of Ziegfeld designer Erte as well as the lyrics of Cole Porter and offers everything from watches to Cartier pens has surprisingly humble origins -  as well as an interesting role in the history of aviation, of which the line of Cartier ballpoint pens are a tribute.

The company was founded in 1847 when a young apprentice watchmaker named Louis Cartier inherited the shop upon the death of his master. Over the next two generations, his son and grandsons built and expanded the business into a global dealer in luxury goods – though Cartier pens came much later. In fact, it was watches, not Cartier pens that became the company’s claim to fame – and assured its place in the history of flight.

The Cartier ballpoint pen might have been part of aviation history – though patented in 1888, the ballpoint pen found its most useful application during the Second World War, when RAF bomber crews required a writing tool that would function at high altitude – but the Cartier line of writing tools were far in the future and not a high priority for Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. Dumont’s main problem was timekeeping; the vibration of early aircraft and the need to keep both hands on the controls at all times made pocket watches impractical, yet it was vital to be able to keep track of time spent in the air lest the plane run out of fuel.

The first man’s wristwatch was the solution that Cartier provided.

Today, Cartier watches are still coveted luxury items – but nothing says “Master of the Universe” like Cartier pens. In addition to the Cartier ballpoint pen, today’s line includes the Cartier rollerball as well as the traditional Cartier fountain pen. Cartier rollerball pens are particularly popular due to the ease with which they write. These quality writing instruments use a high-viscosity, water-based ink that flows quite easily over the page; the Cartier rollerball makes the physical act of putting words to the page almost effortless.

Cartier pens are also a work of art in their own right. When it comes the Cartier fountain pen line, the premier Roadster is a writing tool that tells mere mortals that you are an alpha male in no uncertain terms. Those who control the destinies of others from deluxe suites on Wall Street and are able to buy and sell legislators with ease must have this symbol of prestige and  exalted rank. Those who prefer a Cartier ballpoint pen with a dash of nostalgia that recalls the wit and panache of Cole Porter, P.G. Wodehouse and Noel Coward will appreciate the Art-Deco inspired Diabolo.

Of course, the Cartier rollerball pen combines prestige and beauty that is the Cartier trademark with ease and practicality. Regardless of what you choose however, remember that there is no better way to say regno than a pen from Cartier.