Is Cartier a maker of watches or jewellery? Well, yes. The ultimate expression of this duality is the Panthère watch, a signature of the Parisian house since the 1980s. Rather than figurative homage, it is the slinky, flexible five-row chain bracelet that evokes the seductive movements of a great feline.
The Panthère is an indisputable icon for the maison as well because of the design details that are hallmarks of the Cartier style: a shaped case with exposed screws, a blue sapphire cabochon on the crown; the slender, angled style of Roman numerals and the ‘Cartier’ signature hidden in a numeral; and the rail track dial design.
This month, the maison is rolling out a range of new variations that play up both the jewel and watch aspects. There are two new variations on the jewel side. Offered exclusively on small models in yellow or rose gold, the first features touches of textured gold that contrast against the traditionally mirror-polished finish. The dials have a grained golden finish to match its case and bracelet, as well as a textured finish applied to the bracelet’s links.
The second novelty introduces a fresh brilliance to the dials thanks to a square of diamonds set into the central grid. It creates a soft contrast against a silvered sunray-brushed dial, with gold finish hands and numerals to match. These designs are offered in the small and medium models.
But the biggest change, quite literally, is a brand new large model that extends the appeal of the Panthère de Cartier to more generous wrists. The case measures at 31mm by 42mm, and is offered in the most classical of Panthère configurations: blued steel sword hands and Roman numerals on a white dial; and the trio of full stainless steel or yellow gold, and two-tone steel and gold.
The October anniversary ‘Community’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available online and in-stores.
