Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

1 3 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I C artier stands as one of the world’s most esteemed and respected Maisons in the luxury goods industry, known for its signature high jewellery creations and watches – symbols of craftsmanship and elegance, quality and excellence. Since 1914, the legendary Pathère de Cartier has been the Maison’s emblem, first introduced on a Cartier wristwatch embellished with a panther-spot motif. Founder Louis Cartier established the panther as a stylish motif during the Art Deco age when he dedicated the first pieces of Panthère jewellery to Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s Creative Director of High Jewellery, whose nickname was The Panther. The inspiration came from their trip to Kenya, where they were among the first safari tourists in the African jungles. And now, a century later, the magnificent beast continues to inspire a classic and dazzling collection of Cartier jewellery and timepieces. The new Rêves de Panthères (Dreams of the Panthers) watch is a brilliant testament to the history of the brand, the artistry of the Cartier artisans, and of course to the sleek, powerful animal itself. For the first time in a Cartier creation, the iconic panther appears not alone, but in a pack of three of his magnificent brethren. The 18k white gold dial, set with a sparkling array of brilliant-cut diamonds, gives the impression the panthers are sitting on a snowy mountain or field as they gaze into the sky beyond. A special Cartier in- house Day & Night movement allows the sky to transform from a star-filled vista to a brilliantly lit daytime scene, depending on the time of day. It’s a poetic touch that is pure Cartier: it’s dramatic, elegant beyond compare, and it tells a story to enchant the beholder. Not only is it a romantic composition, but it serves to highlight the incredible expertise of the craftsmen who have mastered such complicated horological movements. The rotating sky is powered by the calibre 9916MC, a self-winding mechanism that is composed of 240 components, as well as 36 rubies, and provides 48 hours of power reserve. Like the pavé dial, the 42mm case is crafted of rhodium-finish 18k white gold with brilliant- cut diamonds, a dazzling spectacle perfectly offset by the dark blue alligator-skin strap, the buckle of which is also rendered in white gold and pavé diamonds. There’s a beaded crown set with a solitary brilliant-cut diamond, and sword-shaped hands in blued steel. We may never know what panthers dream about, but with this watch, Cartier makes our dreams come true. Dreams of the Panthers: the Cartier Rêves de Panthères