A solid eighteen carat white gold 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, this time with a unique twist. 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 classic 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 an example of iconic Cartier design, again with a twist; egg shell colour is replaced by this stunning salmon pink coloured dial, black Roman numerals are printed atop it, blue steeled hands and the discreet "hidden" signature at the ten o'clock position and chemin de fer minute track.  The base of the original dial is stamped "Swiss" below the six o'clock marker. This is the only time research has been able to discover this dial used on a Panthere watch by Cartier, highlighting the rarity of this example.

The "traditional" element of this watch are again upgraded. This finest example of the model when it was launched, with a double row case setting of diamonds, and the beauty of these early Mini models is the hidden crown, allowing for the uninterrupted case design on both sides of the watch. The only comparable version of this watch, pavé set, retails for $39,800. 

As aforementioned, the bracelet, in solid eighteen carat white gold only this time having flat end links fitting flush into the case. It has the classic double opening deployant system which was used throughout the Cartier line at this time. However, the design of this bracelet was part of the "Love Cartier" collection. The collection was an anniversary collection for the brand, and was introdcuded in a variety of pieces of jewellery and watches circa 1999/2000. It was a limited run, with only the classic bracelet design remaining in the line. 

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 - 23.5mm x 17mm. Smaller than the current Mini.

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 comes complete with all the relevant Cartier paperwork, box and setting tool. The watch has been serviced and is keeping perfect time.