Despite the fact that Cartier is more famous as a jewelry brand (perhaps one of the leading ones, by the way), its contribution to the art of watchmaking is not small. The very fact that the brand's Santos model proudly bears the title of "the first men's wristwatch" is one of the facts confirming the renown of the brand's watchmaking division. Most of the series are created based on an exceptional story, journey, or encounters with exceptional individuals.
Such is the case with the Panthère series – from old photos of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow wearing the watch, to contemporary paparazzi shots of Zendaya (who, by the way, is the face of Bvlgari) and Dua Lipa, there has always been a great buzz around the Panthère. Originally created in 1983 and aimed at the glamorous clientele of the 1980s, it was offered in mini, small, medium, and large sizes, in two-tone and yellow gold. In 2004, Cartier made the decision to discontinue the series, but in 2017, the Panthère was given a new chance and seized it in the most glamorous way possible...
So, why did the Panthère become the watch for "the girls"? The celebrity association is factor number one. But Cartier is the undisputed champion in producing watches that are recognizable and, for the most part, accessible. Furthermore, the brand remains undefeated in the jewelry category when it comes to creating so-called "core collections." These are entry-level models, like Love bracelets and Juste un Clou rings, which are easily recognizable as Cartier. They have become small symbols of the fashion house, constantly signaling entry into a kind of girls' club. This is undoubtedly a clever way to create loyal customers from an early age.
The defining characteristics of the Panthère series include a dial with Roman numerals, a square inner track, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a sapphire cabochon proudly crowning the crown. The historical heritage, the brand's renown, and the unconventional design make the models of the series some of the most beloved by contemporary celebrities who dictate fashion trends.
The watch presented today is from the current Panthère model range – in the Large size, it is offered in a steel case, with the recognizable bracelet and dimensions of 31 by 42 mm. Like all other representatives of the series, it too has a silvered dial, with Roman numerals and a blue sapphire cabochon on its crown.