The Cartier Panthère timepiece has been making waves in the luxury watch industry since its intro in 1983, when Baracuta jackets, popped collars, and power belts were rocking the wardrobe scene hard. It became an instant hit among the fashion-conscious crowd, and its popularity has continued to grow over the years.
Its classic combination, consisting of a unique square case, trademark Cartier Roman numeral dial, and blue sword-shaped hands make it easily identifiable among most watch collectors. It’s still a head-turner today since it screams well-calculated elegance and unmatched style- but louder.
Its versatility allows it to be at home in a casual or formal setting. Sounds interesting? The Cartier Panthere watch review below takes an in-depth look at the luxurious timepiece, including its design, features, and pricing for your reading and buying pleasure. Let’s dive in!
History of the Cartier Panthere Watch
The Cartier Panthere’s love story started in 1983. The design of the watch was inspired by the panther, which has been a symbol of Cartier since the early 20th century. The watch features a square face with rounded corners and a flexible gold chain bracelet, making it one of the first “jewelry watches” on the market.
While the Panthere de Cartier watch was designed with female watch fans in mind at first, it quickly became popular among men too when renowned male celebrities like Pierce Brosnan and Keith Richards who were a big deal back in the day (and still is!) wore it and marketed its equally pleasant masculine qualities. The watch came in an array of eye-catcing materials, including gold, stainless steel, and two-tone combinations.
Over the years, the Cartier Panthere watch’s design has advanced, with attractive new variations being included in Cartier’s lineup to keep up with ever-changing fashion trends.
Cartier reintroduced the Panthere watch after a production break of about a decade in June 2017. The new version features 16 delicious pieces with updated materials and colors, while still maintaining the classic design that made the watch so popular in the first place.
The Case
The Cartier Panthere watch is known for its sleek and elegant design, and the case is no exception. It features a square case made of precious metals, such as stainless steel, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or two-tone, and often adorned with diamonds or other gemstones.
It’s usually small to medium-sized, measuring around 22mm to 27mm in width, making it ideal for men and women alike. Plus, it has a slim profile with a 6mm thickness, making it comfortable to wear for longer periods.
The square case with curved lugs and crown guard design is borrowed from Cartier’s Santos timepiece. However, a major variation that tells the two apart is the luxury piece’s bracelet, which we’ll get into later on.
The design gives the watch a fluid appearance and a more ergonomic feel, making it comfortable on the wrist even with its noticeable heft. The rounded corners of the case add to the watch’s overall elegance and sophistication. It also has a crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon- a trademark symbol of most Cartier timepieces.
The bezel of the Cartier Panthere watch can be studded with diamonds or unadorned with eight well-polished screws. The unadorned bezel gives the watch a minimalist look, while the diamond-studded bezel adds a touch of luxury and glamor.
Its caseback retains the luxurious and powerful color, taking a solid design with engravings and eight screws to match the bezel. The screws don’t interfere with the piece’s incredible comfort level. Rather, it adds uniqueness to the look while holding everything together.
Overall, the Cartier Panthere watch’s case is a perfect blend of form and function. It is elegant, durable, and comfortable to wear, making it an excellent choice for those who value both style and substance in their timepieces.
The Dial
The dial of the Cartier Panthère watch is a true work of art. It features the signature Cartier Roman numeral hour markers that are both elegant and easy to read. The sword-shaped hands are also a signature of the Cartier brand and add to the overall sophistication of the watch.
The Panthère de Cartier Stainless Steel watch’s dial is simple yet refined. It features the iconic railroad track, a silvered opaline dial with a date window at 3 o’clock, and blued sword-shaped hands. The hands stand out against the silver background, creating an eye-catching contrast and making it easy to tell the time- even at a glance.
It’s worth noting that original Cartier Panthere pieces have a hidden Cartier signature at the ‘X’ hour marker at 10 o’clock.
The Movement
The Cartier Panthère watch is powered by quartz movements that are reliable and accurate. The quartz movement is known for its precision, and it is also low-maintenance, making it ideal for everyday wear. It’s powered by a battery that needs to be replaced every few years, depending on usage.
It offers an almost noiseless tick, which is a necessary feature in luxury watches. Its few-parts characteristic enables it to fit in the slender, stylish case of the luxury watch.
Overall, it’s a reliable and accurate choice that’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance watch that they can wear every day.
The Bracelet
The Cartier Panthère watch comes with a variety of bracelet options to suit different tastes and styles. The most popular option is the bracelet strap, which is made of stainless steel (the all-steel option) and features a brick-like design that is both supple and comfortable to wear. The bracelet is also available in gold and two-tone versions, giving buyers plenty of options to choose from.
The brick-like links are well-polished, giving them a reflective effect that resembles the feline’s rich, silky coat in the right conditions. Plus, they’re curved to perfection, minimizing movement and strengthening the embrace around the wrist. Its beautiful design makes it a fine gem on its own!
Why You Should Invest in the Cartier Panthere Watch
The Cartier Panthere Watch is a timeless piece that has been a favorite among watch enthusiasts for decades. It is a beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated watch that exudes luxury and style. Investing in it is a wise decision for several reasons.
First of all, it’s a status symbol. It is a watch that is recognized all over the world and is associated with wealth, success, and sophistication. Owning a Cartier Panthere Watch will not only enhance your personal style but also elevate your social status.
Secondly, it’s durable and reliable. It’s crafted from high-quality materials that are built to last. The watch is water-resistant and scratch-resistant, making it perfect for everyday wear. It is also easy to maintain and service, ensuring that it will last for generations to come.
Lastly, it’s a worthwhile investment. Many vintage Cartier Panthere watches have sold for high prices at auction, with some models fetching tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, a rare Cartier Panthere watch in 18K gold with diamonds sold for $210,000 at an auction in 2019. However, the value of a Cartier Panthere watch can vary depending on factors such as its condition, rarity, and provenance.
Price and Availability
The 2017 iteration of the Cartier Panthere is available in three main options:
- Cartier Panthere Mini: 21mm x 25mm
- Cartier Panthere Small: 22mm x 30mm
- Cartier Panthere Medium: 27mm x 37mm
The 22mm and 27mm picks have the most variety, so we’ll focus on them. Prices for the 22mm are:
|
Description |
Price (in SGD) |
|---|---|
|
All-steel model (ref. WSPN0006) |
S$5,332 |
|
18K Yellow Gold and Steel two-tone (ref. W2PN0006) |
S$9,798 |
|
18K Rose Gold (ref. WGPN0006) |
S$26,527 |
|
18K Yellow Gold (ref. WGPN0008) |
S$26,527 |
|
18K Rose Gold with diamonds (ref. WJPN0008) |
S$31,592 |
|
18K White Gold with diamonds (ref. WJPN0008) |
S$33,859 |
|
18K White Gold with black lacquer (ref. WGPN0010) |
S$33,192 |
|
White Gold and diamond (ref. HPIO1129) |
S$107,974 |
As for the 27mm models:
|
Description |
Price (in SGD) |
|---|---|
|
All-steel model (ref. WSPN0007) |
S$6,132 |
|
18K Yellow Gold and Steel Two-Tone (ref. W2PN0007) |
S$10,797 |
|
18 Rose Gold (ref. WGPN0007) |
S$30,659 |
|
18K Yellow Gold (ref. WGPN0009) |
S$30,659 |
|
18K Rose Gold with diamonds (ref. WJPN0009) |
S$36,525 |
|
18K White Gold with diamonds (ref. WJPN0007) |
S$39,191 |
|
18K Rose Gold with black lacquer (ref. WGPN0011) |
S$38,524 |
|
18K White Gold and diamonds (ref. HPIO1130) |
S$149,298 |
|
18K White Gold and diamonds with black lacquer (ref. HPIO1096) |
S$187,955 |
All the timepieces were first available in authorized dealers and Cartier boutiques in June 2017. More info here.
The Competitive Landscape
The Cartier Panthère is one of the leading pieces in the luxury timepiece category. It’s a must-have for most watch collectors since it has a bold design with the elegance and functionality to match. According to WatchCharts, its retail price ranges from between S$4,266 and S$34,392.
As expected, it has attracted stiff competition from equally able timepieces with more than just aesthetic appeal. There are countless worthy competitors, but the Rolex Datejust, Omega Constellation, Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak show the most potential of making it to the top.
- The Rolex Datejust– it’s known for its svelte case with smooth lines and a smooth or fluted bezel for the ultimate luxury look. It also has an array of powerful movements depending on the model, boasting a 70-hour power reserve and with mouthwatering features like a Blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers for unmatched accuracy.
- The Omega Constellation– it’s famous for its high-quality build and precision. Its retail price ranges from S$3,333 to S$11,064.
- The Patek Philippe Nautilus– it’s famous for its rarity and exclusivity. It has a porthole-styled case that ranges from 27mm-42mm, a horizontally embossed dial, and an automatic movement. Its price ranges from S$40,990 to S$145,059.
- The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak– it’s well-known for its unique designs and impressive case sizes. It’s famous for its trademark Tapisserie dial that adds to its overall luxurious look. It also has a retail price of between S$13,997 to S$66,917.
Each of these watches has unique features that make them stand out in the market. But do they have what it takes to compete with the Cartier Panthere? Let’s have a look:
Comparison Table
|
Watch Model |
Water Resistance |
Case Size |
Movement |
Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Rolex Datejust |
100m |
31mm, 36mm, and 41mm |
Caliber 2236 (31mm), Caliber 3235 (36mm and 41mm) |
S$4,112-S$18,240 |
|
The Omega Constellation |
30-100m |
25mm, 28mm, 29mm, 34mm, 36mm, 39mm, 41mm |
Automatic or quartz, depending on the model |
S$3,333-S$11,064 |
|
The Patek Philippe Nautilus |
120m |
27mm-42mm |
Automatic 26-330 SC movement (ref.5711) |
S$40,990-S$145,059 |
|
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak |
120m |
34-42mm |
Self-winding |
S$13,997-S$66,917 |
Source: WatchCharts (As of April 2023)
We can see from the table that the Patek Philippe Nautilus offers an impressive water resistance level and case sizes. But, it’s the most expensive of them all. The rest are also good value for money- especially the Omega Constellation that has a broader case size variety, more pocket-friendly prices, a rugged yet luxurious build and a movement variety to suit a larger audience.
The Cartier Panthère watch has its own distinctive features that set it apart from other luxury watches. However, at the end of the day, there’s no sure winner. It depends on the wearer and their personal preference and taste.
FAQs
1. Is The Cartier Panthere watch a good investment?
The Cartier Panthere watch has been a popular choice among watch enthusiasts and collectors for many years. While the value of the watch may fluctuate over time, it has held its value well and is often considered a good investment. However, it is important to note that the value of the watch may depend on various factors such as its condition, rarity, and demand in the market.
2. Does Cartier Panthere hold value?
The Cartier Panthere watch has been known to hold its value well over time. The watch’s popularity and iconic design have contributed to its value retention. However, it is important to keep the unisex watch in good condition and have it serviced regularly to maintain its value.
3. When was the Cartier Panthere watch discontinued?
The Cartier Panthere watch was discontinued in 2004. However, due to its popularity, Cartier reintroduced the square watches in 2017 with a few updates to their design and features to match the modern watch enthusiasts’ requirements and tastes.
4. Can I shower with my Cartier Panthere watch?
No, you can’t. The Cartier Panthere watch has a 30m water resistance rating, making it ideal for light water activities like puddle splashing and occasional light showers (as long as the crown is properly screwed down).
It’s not recommended to shower or swim with it since prolonged exposure to water can damage the watch’s internal components and affect its accuracy. Its manufacturers advise that you should remove it before taking part in any water activities.
Final Word
The Cartier Panthère watch is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its iconic design has made it a favorite among fashion lovers and watch enthusiasts alike. Its bold, square case and supple brick-like bracelet that’s formed out of links perfectly mirror the undulating movements and striking persona of the sleek and sexy panther.
Key Takeaways
- Cartier Panthère is a valuable investment that retains and may appreciate in value, fetching high profit in the secondary market.
- Versatile and elegant design suitable for formal events and everyday wear due to its durability and water resistance.
- Quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping and requires less maintenance than mechanical movements.
- The average price range of the Cartier Panthere watches depends on the specific model, size, and materials used. The average price range for Cartier Panthere watches would be somewhere between S$5,332 and S$187,955.
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