Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

1 2 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he inimitable global watch and jewellery giant Cartier knows what it means to be iconic. This Grande Maison is familiar with the alchemy required to conjure works of art in both jewellery creations and timepieces. Creations that never go out of style, but rather remain touchstones of style and sophistication. They have fluctuating cycles of popularity, but their permanent place as an icon is assured. In 2018, Cartier shone the spotlight on the definitive eighties watch, the Panthère de Cartier. The name derives from the feline symbol of the House of Cartier—a panther was first used on a stunning bracelet with onyx and diamonds back in 1914, and ever since it has graced a range of luxury goods. Cartier first introduced the Panthère watch in 1983, and it became an instant hit with the jet-set and celebrities. The watch is recognised by the square case with elongated lugs and square bezel with eight exposed screws. The signature Cartier Roman numerals, blue sword- shaped hands, and rail-track minute detail announce a true Cartier dial. The final touch being the blue sapphire-set winding crown that signifies many models across a range of the finest Cartier timepieces. Cartier discontinued the Panthère watch in the early 2000s but the contemporary Panthère is now here. The flagship design codes are still present—the essential brick-lay lay design of the bracelet and the square case and bezel—however, there are now just two sizes as opposed to a range as in the past, meaning the new Panthère is distinctly positioned as a ladies’ watch. The Small Panthère has a 22mm case and the Medium a 27mm case. The watches are available in all steel, yellow gold, white gold and two- tone yellow gold and steel. The Panthère de Cartier watch adopts a generous range of feminine looks in 2018. The bracelet, available in a double or triple loop, shines as it seductively wraps around the wrist. New to the collection is the rose gold Panthère watch. And exceptionally, there’s also a lavish white gold and diamond version decorated with panther markings in black lacquer. Cartier says, “The Panthère de Cartier watch owes its timelessness to the precision of its proportions. More than a timepiece, it is also a piece of jewellery. Streamlined, authentic and sophisticated, it combines the very best of Cartier design.”