Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1990 Case No: 679’593 Model Name: Cartier Panthère Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Quartz Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Cartier Dimensions: 16mm Wide Signed: Dial, case, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Cartier fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
The Cartier Panthère roots back to 1914, when the first wristwatch inspired from the exotics hides of the kings of the jungle. The first example was set with onyx and diamond to simulate the iconic motif. In 2014, Cartier marked the 100th anniversary of the Panthère and celebrated it with a new collection.
The present example in white gold set with emerald eyes and an onyx nose is from the 1990’s. Presented in excellent overall condition, this is an opulent wristwatch for an elegant lady.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.