Cartier Panthère

Yes, ladies and gentleman, this is the it-girl watch. Originally worn by Keith Richards and Pierce Brosnan, this easy-going (yet elevated!) piece rose in popularity in the ‘90s, spotted on the wrists of it girls eternal like Naomi Campbell to Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s now highly coveted and frequently worn by it-girls du jour like Bella Hadid, Sama and Haya Khadra, and Zendaya. What’s cool about THIS particular Panthère (“panther” in French, duh) is that, unlike Bella’s, it’s the 150th Anniversary Edition, meaning it has some quirks unique to its reference (which was only released in a quantity of 150 to commemorate the anniversary). This one is souped up with an Deco-inspired bracelet, a fancy guilloche dial and a ruby crown (instead of the signature sapphire). Engraved by the maison on the back with “L <3 C” (Love, Cartier!), it’s hard not to feel the love with this special Panthère. 

THE BASICS

DATE OF BIRTH: 1997

MATERIAL: Eighteen carat yellow gold and stainless steel

SIZE: 22mm 

MOVEMENT: Quartz

CONDITION: Excellent condition throughout. Tight and clean Deco bracelet. 

BOX/PAPERS: No/No

THE NITTY GRITTY:

A solid eighteen carat gold and stainless steel Panthère de Cartier quartz Anniversary model. This is a special take on their classic model, which was launched in 1997 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the House of Cartier. This collection was called the “I Love Cartier” collection and consisted of a number of takes on classic watches and iconic pieces of jewellery from the line. There are a number of design changes made for this watch, which was also a uniquely numbered limited edition of 1847 (the years Cartier began). These changes include a brand new Deco-inspired link for the bracelet, a special guilloche dial with the interlocking C logo engine turned into the center – and we also see the trademark cabochon sapphire being subbed out for a distinctive ruby cabochon set into the crown. These special details were only reserved for this “I Love Cartier” version, which came in both two-tone and solid gold.

The integrated bracelet is in excellent condition throughout and remains very tight. The original clasp is present and works perfectly. The case appears to be unpolished and is in excellent condition. The dial is perfect and, on this example, is quite unique to this model, differing from the contemporary version. The classic and iconic black printed Roman numerals features the ten o’clock marker holding the hidden Cartier signature and chemin de fer minute track frame the engraved area of the dial. The dial is also printed “Swiss'' below the six o’clock marker. The overall result is beautiful and an interesting mix of techniques that is much more complicated than the classic Panthère dials of the time, or that came after.

It is great to find an unusual and distinctive version of a certified icon that adds a little nuance to a watch that many are familiar with. And it marks such an important moment in the history of the brand!

All watches are protected against mechanical failure under a 1 year warranty by Foundwell.