Cartier Panthere de Cartier Small
About This Watch
The Cartier Panthere de Cartier Small is the iconic jewelry-watch that defined 1980s luxury and was relaunched in 2017 to unanimous acclaim. Originally introduced in 1983, the Panthere was the first Cartier watch specifically designed as an integrated bracelet piece where the watch head and bracelet are conceived as a single, fluid entity. The small 22mm case is deliberately petite — this is a watch that celebrates femininity and the art of the wrist accessory. The soft-edged square case sits within a graduated bracelet whose links become progressively smaller as they reach the clasp, creating a fluid, serpentine quality on the wrist. The silvered dial is deliberately minimal — Roman numeral indices, blued steel sword hands, and the secret Cartier signature at VII — because the Panthere's primary impact is tactile and visual rather than horological. The quartz movement is the right choice here: it keeps the case thin and the watch reliable, serving its purpose as an elegant daily companion. The Panthere has been worn by Diana Ross, Claudia Schiffer, and countless style icons who understood that a watch can be both timepiece and jewelry simultaneously. The 2017 relaunch kept the design virtually unchanged — a testament to its timelessness. The Panthere Small is not just a watch; it is a statement of Cartier's philosophy that time should be presented beautifully.
In-Depth Review
# The Cartier Panthere de Cartier Small: Timeless Design Meets Modern Practicality
Few watches carry the weight of heritage that the Cartiere Panthere commands. First introduced in 1917, the Panthere has evolved into one of watchmaking's most recognizable icons, and the 2017 relaunch of this collection proved that the design remains timelessly relevant. The Small model, with its 22mm case and svelte 6mm thickness, captures the essence of the original while delivering a contemporary aesthetic that works equally well in the boardroom or at a formal dinner. The stainless steel construction and sapphire crystal provide durability without pretension, while the silver dial and polished square bezel maintain the watch's distinctive visual signature. Powering this elegantly proportioned dress watch is Cartier's reliable 157 caliber quartz movement, guaranteeing accuracy and low maintenance.
The Panthere Small appeals to a specific collector: someone who values design over mechanical complexity and favors elegance over technical specifications. This is an ideal watch for professional women or men seeking a refined dress piece that doesn't demand the commitment—or wrist space—of a larger sport watch. At 22mm, it wears with exceptional grace and integrates seamlessly into any wardrobe, whether paired with business attire or evening wear.
In the mid-range dress watch segment, the Panthere faces legitimate competition. Omega's Deville series offers similar Swiss heritage and refined aesthetics, while the Longines DolceVita provides comparable size and quartz reliability at lower price points. At approximately $4,100 on the secondary market, however, the Panthere's design pedigree and Cartier's jewelry-house credentials justify the premium.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Quartz |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Cartier 157 |
| Frequency | 32,768 vph |
| Jewels | 4 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 22.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 6.0mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, polished square |
| Dial Color | Silver |
Features
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Clasp | Concealed folding clasp |
| Weight | 65g |