#ChristmasWishes: Panthère Gardienne Wristwatch by Cartier

Ferocious yet graceful, elusive yet cunning panthers are arresting beauties! 

For centuries, panthers are either celebrated in arts or worshiped as deities in almost every culture. Every attribute of this creature represents esteemed human values: its viciousness is associated with valour or heroism, its cunning nature equates to intelligence and its poise movement represents magnificence.
  
While we can only dream of domesticating the big cats as pets (unless your name is Marchesa Luisa Casati), there is an easier way to heed the urge: Why don’t you gift yourself or your significant other this dazzling piece of feline-esque beauty this Christmas?

Why should I have it?
First, Cartier is every girl’s – also stylish gentlemen – best friend, according to late Marilyn Monroe in her  1953 film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. For more than 100 years, the maison has created exceptional jewellery, timepieces, leather goods and writing instruments fit for a king. This leads to its time-honoured motto, “Jeweller of the Kings”. Furthermore, being part of Cartier's fine watchmaking portfolio, only a lucky few can own it.

What is the story behind this wristwatch?
The legend of the Panthère range can be traced back to the era of Cartier’s first Director of Luxury Jewellery, the late Jeanne Toussaint. 

Legend has it that while Toussaint and Louis Cartier were spending their time in Africa, she spotted a panther and immediately exclaimed, “Onyx, diamonds, emeralds – a brooch!” And the rest, as they say, was history. 

But of this watch, its first permutation was a fully articulated panther bracelet that could be draped around the wrist fluidly. Fast forward to 65 years later, the effort to push their boundaries continue with the conception of this wristwatch.

How the wristwatch is made?
The Cartier Panthère Gardienne wristwatch is made by the skilful hands of Cartier watchmakers with high jewellery making approach. The discreet production process involves a variety of process and each requires long man hours as constant precision is the key in crafting this exquisite piece.

What it is made of?
The eyes are made from emerald while onyx is used for its spotted coat. Brilliant cut diamonds pave its body and all these are set on white gold.

What makes it a stand out timepiece? Care to share?
The standing out factor lies on the head of the panther. The head masks part of the dial. To reveal the time, one has to lift its head. Furthermore, the supple bracelet hugs the wrist whilst evoking a graphic interpretation of the wild feline’s spotted coat.

Oh, my heart is roaring now when I look at it. How do I catch one?
As mentioned earlier, only a lucky few can own it. Reason being, the watch is not commercially produced for retail. Nevertheless, you can always walk into Cartier and inquire with one of the Cartier sales assistants.

*Photos courtesy of Cartier

Cartier - Lot No. 3.14.00 Level 3 168, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

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