The Cartier Panthère collection is the epitome of luxurious jewelry watch design, even becoming an icon during its rise to success in the 80s and 90s. The most fashionable men and women of that era were often seen with a Cartier Panthère timepiece on their wrist, including celebrities Tina Turner, Madonna, and Pierce Brosnan. Despite a brief discontinuation in 2004, it remained one of the brand’s most sought-after timepieces. Cartier resurrected the collection in 2017 in grand fashion, featuring several exquisite finishes, 2 case sizes, and even a stunning limited edition example decorated in a panther motif.
Today, the iconic Cartier Panthère remains a fixture on the wrists of some of the world’s most chic and influential celebrities and figures. It is distinguished by a square-shaped case, Roman numerals on the dial, and a silky, 5-link Panthère bracelet. The collection is now available in three case sizes, with plain or gem-set bezels and bracelets, and five metal finishes, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, stainless steel, and two-tone.
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The Panthère has been a longstanding symbol and source of fascination in Cartier's rich history since the early 20th century. In 1914, Louis Cartier created the first Panthère watch inspired by the sleek feline form with a square case elegantly styled with a panther complete with emerald eyes and onyx spots. It was an instant success that embodied the exoticism and innovation that were Cartier trademarks. Later in the 1930s, Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier's director of fine jewelry, made the Panthère a signature motif across jeweled bracelet, brooch, and watch designs which gained high popularity through the 40s and 50s. The Panthère watch continued to evolve with the times - in the 1980s a new version emerged with a case embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds and a bracelet of double-row gold links. Into the new millennium, Cartier keeps reinventing the Panthère to appeal to modern trends while retaining its graceful panther essence. With many artistic interpretations over the past century, the legendary Panthère remains one of Cartier's most enduring and coveted luxury timepieces.
"The Panthère walks a sublime line between untamed fierceness and refined luxury, as alluring and mesmerizing as the panther goddess that inspired its form. With its eternal allure, this iconic Cartier watch remains the timeless embodiment of artistic intent - minimalist yet striking, graceful yet daring, both whispering and commanding glory."
- Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches
With its enduring popularity and iconic design, the Cartier Panthère has seen gradually increasing prices over the decades, reflecting its growing status as a coveted luxury timepiece. When originally introduced in 1914, the Panthère was a high-end model but still affordable to Cartier's expanding clientele. By the 1960s and '70s during another era of prominence, Panthère prices moved solidly into the thousands for its gold and gem-set versions. With the turn of the century, prices for both vintage and newly released Panthère models crossed firmly into four and five-figure territory, cementing its reputation as an investment-worthy luxury statement piece.
In recent years, global demand and limited supply has driven Panthère prices ever skyward. Today's latest Panthère releases start around $6,000 for steel models but range upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 or more for exotic limited editions with premium gems and materials. At auctions, rare vintage Panthère pieces are increasingly sought after, often selling for multiples of their original retail value. As Cartier elevates the prominence of the storied Panthère line, the iconic feline's allure shows no signs of losing its bite among high-end watch buyers and collectors.
As one of Cartier's most coveted luxury timepieces, the Cartier Panthère commands premium pricing that reflects its reputation for high craftsmanship and iconic elegance. Current retail prices for used/ pre-owned Panthères start around $2,500 USD for stainless steel models with quartz movements. The self-winding mechanical Panthère models with 18k gold case and alligator strap generally range from $18,000 to $37,000 USD depending on size and design. Diamond and gem-set versions fetch significantly higher pricing - a medium model in 18k white gold with over 5 carats of diamonds retails for around $108,000 USD.
In the resale and auction market, vintage Panthère prices vary greatly depending on age, condition rarity, precious metals, and gems. Typically, vintage models from the 1980s and earlier range from $4,000 to $15,000 USD. Special one-of-a-kind bespoke Panthère pieces or limited-edition commemorative models containing high carat diamonds or other precious stones often auction between $50,000 to $250,000+ USD. The highest recorded auction sale for a Cartier Panthère was over $381,000 USD paid in 2019 for an extraordinary 1980s 18k white gold secret watch adorned in emeralds and sapphires. With luxury watch prices steadily rising, the dazzling Panthère remains a solid investment.
disc. = discontinued
While available in a range of metals, the Cartier Panthère truly glistens in either stainless steel or gold. The steel Panthère retains the collection's sleek elegance at a more accessible price point starting around $6,000 USD. Durable steel allows the iconic bold black Roman numeral dial and glowing blue sword-shaped hands to command center stage. Meanwhile, the 18k yellow or white gold Panthère elevates the luxury appeal and value, ranging from $19,000 to $37,000 USD. The fine gold case and bracelet complements the watch's understated glamor, showcasing how Cartier marries precious metals with alluring asymmetric design.
Both stainless and gold Panthère editions share the same refined square and curved case with signature quartz movement. Yet gold delivers that added level of opulence befitting the Panthère mystique. And for those who enjoy making a glittering statement, diamond pavé and gem-set gold Panthères push the bounds of this feline fancy further into true jewelry territory at substantially higher prices. So, while the steel Panthère retains all the modern spirit that made the line iconic, the gold Panthère is for those allured by luxury's more indulgent side.
At a glance, the choice between Panthère Mini and Small may seem merely about size. However, in typical Cartier fashion, even dimensions carry outsized style and value.
At demure 20mm x 15.2mm, the Mini charms with pared down bracelet-like elegance and Quartz convenience starting around $6,000 USD. The Small's bolder 27mm x 23mm proportions display shapely Automatic movements visible through a sapphire crystal case back, costing $20,000 to $50,000+.
While both endure as elegant square-in-a-curved-case signatures of the Panthère line, the Mini whispers for every day, the Small model roars for special occasions. So, whether one favors the Mini's delicate do-anything versatility or the Small's modern glamour and golden caliber, both distill the essential Panthère id: strength and softness, glory, and grace - all in Cartier’s signature style.
The core Panthère line offered in a variety of metals and dial variations featuring Cartier's iconic square and curved case with panther head crown. Ranges from time-only to diamond pave styles.
Tiny sized models measuring 20mm x 15.2mm offered on a strap or as pendants. More affordably priced, simplified versions of the Panthère style.
Refined 27mm x 23mm sized models that blend bold presence with high wearability. Available in steel or gold with quartz or automatic movements.
The original Panthère dimensions of 27mm x 37mm now considered the medium size. Offers an optimal balance of wrist presence and lightweight comfort.
Quartz Movements: Cartier Panthères utilize reliable, affordable quartz movements like the Cartier 057 caliber known for precision and 42-hour power reserve.
The Panthère Mini represents the smallest model at a dainty 21mm x 25mm diameter size, offering an ultra-wearable everyday statement. Larger Panthère editions range from Small (22mm x 30mm) to Medium (27mm x 37mm).
Steel or Gold Cases: Most Panthère models feature a mix of fine metals. Stainless steel serves as an affordable option paired with a gold bezel or crown for contrast. Panthères also come rendered entirely in 18k yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold at a far higher cost. Solid gold delivers added material value and luxury weight.
Gems and Diamond Settings: Many Panthère editions highlight gemstone accents like emeralds, sapphires and onyx that reference the original panther motifs. Diamond pavé Panthères satisfyingly cover the case and bracelet in brilliant-cut stones for maximum sparkle. Top tier high jewelry Panthères showcase elaborate lacquered dials alongside colorful precious gems in creative animal motifs.
Dials and Hands: From understated monochrome dials to elaborate enameled faces, Panthère watches feature an array of dial options. Bold black Roman numeral hour markers remain prevalent along with the iconic blue steel sword-shaped hands to ensure legibility on even the most diamond encrusted models.
Exotic Leather Straps: Signature Panthère straps come in matte black, navy blue, chocolate brown or vermilion red alligator leather punched with rows of small dots echoing spotted wild cat fur. Often straps and buckles will match case metals for consistency.
With such fine materials inside and out, the elegant yet exotic Panthère endures as one of Cartier's most sophisticated statements.
Learn more about the collection by reading our Cartier Panthere Ultimate buying guide.
As one of the most coveted luxury timepieces since its inception over a century ago, the Cartier Panthère carries substantial legacy value that factors into the high price tags, especially for vintage editions. The use of premium materials like 18K gold, platinum, diamonds and exotic leathers drives costs up significantly.
Additionally, Cartier's unmatched brand reputation for superb craftsmanship and sophisticated design aesthetics enable them to price in the ineffable allure and emotional desire the Panthère name evokes among collectors. More so than just a watch, it is a piece of portable Cartier heritage.
While already expensive at retail prices stretching well into five figures, demand continues to rise as supply reduces for Panthère classics. With production capped intentionally small by Cartier, scarcity perception further inflates resale prices.
Discontinuation rumors have swirled around the Cartier Panthère at times over the past couple decades. However, recent years have put such rumors to rest as Cartier has actively revived the Panthère with great success.
In 2014, Cartier celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the storied Panthère with exciting new interpretations and committed marketing efforts. Each year has seen fresh takes on the iconic watch roll out to enthusiastic fans worldwide.
While production numbers remain intentionally limited, Cartier's creative director has affirmed plans to keep the Panthère legend thriving into the future across their watch collections.
The Cartier Panthère dazzles prominently on A-listers. Spotted prowling along red carpets and black-tie affairs from Hollywood to hip hop circles and royalty across the globe, the Panthère remains a beloved celebrity showpiece - whether an understated steel mini or fully iced out, the sleek piece makes a fiercely elegant statement worthy of a star.
With vintage models already achieving astronomical sales figures at auctions and newly released editions consistently selling out, the Cartier Panthère has demonstrated its resilience and appeal - making it one of the safer modern luxury-watch investments.
While steel and gold Panthère models offer more affordable entry points between $6,000 to $30,000, some gem-set and specialty collaborations fetch six figures initially. Yet their values invariably rise over time.
Whether one keeps a Panthère watch unworn as a collectible asset or enjoys its wearable style for decades, the combination of Cartier’s heritage pedigree, the line’s iconic status, and the overall strength of the luxury watch market points to strong return potential in a Panthère.
For watch enthusiasts and investors alike seeking a market-proof, fashion-forward statement piece that can double as a store of value heirloom, the Panthère presents feline finesse with financial upside for years to come.