Panthère de Cartier
PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER
Cartier was founded in 1847 in Paris, France, by Louis-François Cartier. His grandson Louis Cartier eventually led the brand down a bold creative path, inspired by his passion for animal-themed jewelry—particularly the panther. To him, the panther embodied elegance, luxury, and strength—qualities that would ultimately come to define the Cartier name.
In 1914, Louis Cartier enlisted renowned French illustrator Georges Barbier to create the iconic Lady with Panther drawing for a Cartier jewelry exhibition invitation. The illustration showed an elegantly dressed woman wearing a long pearl necklace, standing beside a black panther. This marked the beginning of Cartier’s long-standing association with the panther. That same year, Cartier also introduced its first timepiece featuring a panther motif, crafted from black onyx and diamonds.
Lady with Panther by George Barbier for Cartier 1914
First appearance of the panther motif in Cartier's collection 1914
With the help of Belgian-born French jeweler Jeanne Toussaint, who was appointed director of Cartier’s fine jewelry department in 1933, the panther became synonymous with the Cartier brand. Since then, Cartier has continued to draw inspiration from the panther to craft exquisite jewelry throughout the years.
In 1983, Cartier unveiled the Panthère de Cartier watch collection, which has since become one of the brand’s most iconic creations and one of its most sought-after timepieces. While other panther-inspired pieces from Cartier showcase a more visible influence, the panther’s presence is subtly integrated into the watch’s design—most notably in its sleek, flexible bracelet, crafted to reflect the animal’s graceful movement.
The Panthère de Cartier watch features a sleek square case with rounded corners and an integrated five-link bracelet. It incorporates classic Cartier elements such as black Roman numerals, a square rail-style minute track, and blue sword-shaped hands. This iconic style has become widely admired in the watch world, establishing itself as a true symbol of luxury and sophistication—much like the panther itself.
Throughout the years since its inception, the Panthère de Cartier has undergone various stylistic updates and has been offered in a range of materials, including stainless steel, rose gold, yellow gold, and two-tone combinations. Some models are even decorated with diamonds along the bezel. Nevertheless, despite its many evolutions, the Panthère de Cartier has consistently stayed true to the essence of its original identity.
The Panthère de Cartier collection has made a lasting mark on the luxury watch world. Its panther-inspired style has redefined what’s possible in timepiece craftsmanship. It has become an integral part of the brand’s legacy, highlighting Cartier’s commitment to elegance and innovation. The Panthère de Cartier is, undeniably, a true masterpiece of design.
We are pleased to offer several Panthère de Cartier models currently in stock:
Cartier - Unworn Panthère De Cartier 25 x 19mm WSPN0012
Cartier - Unworn Panthère De Cartier Small 23 x 30mm WSPN0013
Cartier - Unworn Panthère De Cartier 27 x 37mm WSPN0015
Cartier - Unworn Panthère De Cartier Small 23 x 30mm W2PN0013
Cartier - Pre-owned Panthère De Cartier Medium 27 x 37mm 83083241
