Cartier Panthere Large Single Row

Year: Circa 1990s

Model: Panthere
Case Diameter: 29mm
Lug to Lug: 40mm
Case: Stainless steel w/ yellow gold
Condition: No significant nicks
Dial: Warm Patina
Movement: Quartz

Condition

The case has normal wear throughout, and the bracelet also. The crystal has two marks right above the 5 o'clock that are only noticeable in certain angles. The dial has a warm and toasty cream color. The cabochon crown is in great condition. The bracelet is fitted with a double-sided hidden clasp.

 The Panthere watch collection, introduced in 1983, is a popular choice among celebrities and regulars. The panther has long been an emblem of the House of Cartier, with designs inspired by the feline's graceful movement. The Panthère de Cartier watch, named after its flexible bracelet, was introduced in 1983 and is known for its shapely watches. The first generation of the Panthere was offered in five main sizes and materials, including white gold, yellow gold, two-tone steel and gold, and exotic options. The collection was marketed to both men and women, with Mini and Small versions classified as ladies' watches, Medium as unisex watches, and Large and Jumbo as men's watches. The two-tone Panthere watches were popular, featuring stainless steel cases topped with 18k yellow gold bezels and bracelets combining gold and steel links. The first generation Cartier Panthere variations include the Cartier Panthere Ruban and the Cartier Panthere Cougar, which feature wide bracelets, square bezels, classic Cartier dial layouts, and supple link bracelets.

The reference 183957 is the jumbo men's size and this example comes with the single-row bracelet. This means there is one row of gold links. For a dressier and less sporty Santos, the Panthere is perfect.

Cartier, a luxury watch brand, has been synonymous with elegance, innovation, and timeless appeal since its inception in 1847. The brand's early creations, including the Cartier Santos and Cartier Tank, were an embodiment of aesthetic innovation and mechanical mastery, merging the finesse of jewelry with the functionality of timekeeping. As the brand grew, so did the family's involvement, as the children and grandchildren of Louis-François Cartier expanded the business and opened boutiques in various cosmopolitan cities.

The turn of the 20th century marked a revolutionary phase for Cartier, with the introduction of the Cartier Santos, which was designed for the famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and became one of the first wristwatches designed explicitly for men. The Cartier Tank watch, inspired by the geometric design of military tanks, was a symbol of modernity and minimalistic elegance. The uniquely shaped Cartier Tonneau broke away from conventional circular designs, demonstrating Cartier's commitment to artistic creativity and mechanical excellence.

Cartier's success in the early 20th century was not limited to its pioneering designs; it also saw an era of global expansion that cemented its status as an international symbol of luxury and prestige. By 1902, Cartier opened its doors in London, positioning the brand within one of the world's major cultural and financial hubs. In 1909, Cartier opened its New York boutique, tapping into the vibrant American market.

Through strategic collaborations with local artisans, careful selection of materials, and a deep understanding of regional tastes, Cartier transformed from a Parisian marvel into an international sensation. The Cartier watch became more than a French luxury; it became a global emblem of style and refinement, transcending geographical boundaries to become a timeless classic. This era of expansion validated Cartier's enduring appeal, demonstrating that true luxury, as epitomized by Cartier's watches, knows no borders and speaks a universal language of elegance and excellence.