Cartier’s Flamant Wristwatch. Courtesy of Cartier.
The house of Cartier’s panther icon has been the official animal signature of the maison for over 100 years, first appearing on a woman’s dainty wristwatch in 1914. The iconic big cat has seen many premium manifestations and revivals over the years, and grandly so in 2017 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva this January. The world of premium watchmakers unites to showcase pioneering designs and deftly elegant ways to stay on time. Cartier’s big reveal raised the bar. In its signature evolution of house style, Cartier presented its New Year timepieces that merge high jewelry with in-built, unsuspecting clock mechanisms with next-level craftsmanship. Vogue Arabia rediscovers a girl’s best friend––aka 24-7 diamond––on the most practical of pieces in one’s jewelry box, the watch.
A line drawing of the Cartier Flamant Wristwatch. Courtesy of Cartier.
Meet the Flamenco-plume inspired wristwatch with its dial disguised behind a translucent 78.74-carat oval-shaped, cabochon-cut pink quartz. Naturally, the quartz movement watch is crafted in white gold, paved with feathers of brilliant cut diamonds. If you are late for your lunch appointment, your guest will be hard-pressed at a cursory glance to note that this fine jewelry piece is also a time-keeper.
Cartier’s Panthère Gardienne Wristwatch. Courtesy of Cartier.
Taking craftsmanship to dizzy new heights, the Panthère Gardienne wristwatch features a moving mechanism where the panther’s diamond and onyx-encrusted head moves to reveal the watch face. Cartier’s first 360 degree articulated watch was revealed in the jewelry house’s workshops in 1952, and is realised in ever-lasting elegance in 2017’s new offering.
If maison Cartier challenged itself to decorate a watch with as many brilliant cut precious rocks as possible, then the 18 carat white gold, sapphire, and diamond-laden Panthère Féline Sapphire Spots Watch met the mark. It’s Art Deco cousin, the Panthère Royale watch, sits as a playful alternative.
Cartier’s Taches de Panthère Mystery clock. Courtesy of Cartier.
If your mantelpiece is looking rather lackluster, chime in with the Taches de Panthère mystery clock. Resplendent in white gold, onyx, mother-of-pearl, and brilliant cut diamonds, it reflects the brand’s iconic panther in a delicate rock crystal case dotted with black cat spots. Tick, tock. Time for diamonds around the clock.
Read more about Cartier’s new season precious watches and timepieces.
