A solid eighteen carat gold and stainless steel Cartier Panthere Mini wristwatch. A beautiful, striking and utterly distinctive model from the extensive Cartier watch line. This is perhaps now the most coveted model from this storied French icon. The Panthere was launched in 1984 being blessed with a feline associated name much like its cousin the lesser known Cougar. There is a constant cat theme within the Cartier lineage, and this model was introduced in order to continue and evolve and develop that.

In 1914, Louis Cartier commissioned French illustrator George Barbier to draw a “Lady with a Panther”, to be later used in advertising. From this moment, the black panther, leopards, chetahs and tigers featured across both watches and jewellery for the luxury atelier. This was further reinforced after the appointment of Jeanne Toussaint. After joining Cartier in 1918, she became known as “La Panthère” for her unique style and captivating personality. By 1933 Toussaint was announced by Louis Cartier as Artistic Director of High Jewellery. From this position "La Panthère" maintained the appearance of feline forms and details throughout the creations of the team of artisans and artists creating the sublime and sumptuous pieces.

This birth of this iconic model, the Panthère, saw a cushion case, riveted style bezel, quite simple and clean design, a crown guard protecting the winding crown, and distinctive five row bracelet design, and the butterfly deployant closure. It is simply a cat, but of another breed. These models presented the opportunity to have a chic, classy and stylish watch which was also quite sporty. The cases are thinner in profile and without a mechanical movement, they are more durable. Many of these watches were seen on the golf courses, tennis courts and beaches of the world's most elegant places in the 1980's and '90s.

The dial on the watch is a VERY rare example. It has been confirmed from Cartier New York as being factory, and is a gorgeous pink mother of pearl with applied 18 carat yellow gold Roman numerals. The base of the original dial is stamped "Swiss" below the six o'clock marker.

It has the classic opening steel deployant system which was used throughout the Cartier line at this time. This very rare example of the "mini" model. The "mini" size of the Panthère de Cartier watch was first launched in 1983 as part of the original collection. The collection was discontinued in 2004 but revived in 2017, reintroducing various sizes, including the mini.

The Panthère was introduced at a great time in Cartier's history. The houses had once again been unified. The Cartier Museum was now up and running, as was the Cartier Foundation. The business had achieved over $1 billion in sales, and this model was produced hot off the heels of the acquisition of Baume & Mercier and Piaget. This is a rare chance to own an unusual piece of vintage Cartier history. A rare chance to own this watch with this superb dial in the cutest size produced.

Overall, this is a wonderful and VERY rare example of the classic Cartier icon. A model that is increasingly in demand, and very difficult to find, today. Originally worn by Keith Richards and Pierce Brosnan, this easy-going (yet elevated!) piece rose in popularity in the ‘90s, spotted on the wrists  of it girls eternal like Naomi Campbell to Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s now highly coveted and frequently worn by it-girls du jour like Bella Hadid, Sama and Haya Khadra, and Zendaya.

The watch does not come with any Cartier paperwork. The watch has been serviced and is keeping perfect time.