Cartier
Panthère de Cartier Small Model
22 mm X 22 mm · Quartz · 1990s
Originally launched in 1983, the Panthère de Cartier is celebrated as one of the maison's most iconic watch-jewelry hybrids. It earns its name from its signature ultra-flexible brick-link bracelet, designed to mimic the fluid, sensuous movement of a panther pacing through the jungle. This specific iteration features an 18K white gold architecture completely transformed by a sparkling factory configuration of brilliant-cut diamonds wrapping across the bezel and flowing onto the lugs.
Specifications
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Box and papers. Where a piece includes them, the listing says so. If they are not mentioned, please assume they are not supplied — ask us and we will confirm exactly what accompanies this watch.
Battery & servicing
- Expect 18–36 months from a battery depending on the calibre. Replace it promptly once the seconds hand starts jumping in multi-second intervals — that is the low-battery warning.
- Never leave a dead battery inside the case. Cells can leak and corrode the movement, which is a far more expensive repair than a replacement.
- Have the battery changed by a watchmaker who will replace the case gasket and pressure-test the case afterwards, rather than simply popping the back on.
Daily wear
- Avoid operating the crown or pushers while the watch is wet, and always ensure the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down) before contact with water.
- Remove the piece before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, using a sauna or hot tub, and before contact sport or manual work. Sudden temperature change and impact are the two things a fine movement tolerates least.
- Keep it away from strong magnets — laptop speakers, tablet covers, handbag clasps and induction hobs are the usual culprits. Magnetisation shows up as a watch suddenly running fast, and is easily reversed by a watchmaker.
Cleaning
- Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after each wear to lift skin oils and dust before they build up in the joints.
- For a metal bracelet, occasional cleaning with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a very soft toothbrush will lift grime from between the links. Rinse, then dry thoroughly — only ever with the crown fully closed.
- Gold is a soft metal and will pick up fine hairline marks with wear. This is normal and part of the character of a worn piece; a professional polish can reduce them, but every polish removes a little material, so it is best done sparingly.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, solvents, or commercial jewellery dips at home on a watch — they can strip lume, degrade gaskets and damage set stones.
Storage
- Store in a dry place at stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight — prolonged UV fades dials and ages strap leather.
- Keep pieces separated in a lined box or soft pouch so cases and stones cannot rub against one another. Diamond is hard enough to scratch virtually anything it shares a drawer with.
- Retain any documentation supplied with the piece — provenance materially affects resale value.
Water resistance
- Water resistance is a seal condition, not a permanent specification. Gaskets harden and shrink with age, so a rating stamped on the case back decades ago tells you little about the watch today.
- Have the case pressure-tested annually, and always after the case back has been opened for any reason.
- Vintage pieces should be treated as not water resistant regardless of their original rating.
