By turns playful, stately, mischievous or feral, the Cartier panther is at ease in every role.

The Panthère Royale watch reigns supreme with a dial that twinkles with brilliant-cut diamonds. Set in a three-dimensional sculpture, this miniature bas-relief recalls one of the creature’s earliest appearances on an sapphire brooch created for the Duchess of Windsor in 1949.

Despite the complexity of forms and proportions at play, the work of the jeweller seduces with astonishing delicacy. Diamonds conjure illusions of depth and dimension from the bezel to the glittering lace of the motif, and the wild cat is ablaze with the fire of diamonds. The sheen of her coat spotted with lacquer, the Cartier panther dazzles as the fierce guardian of precious time.

Montre Panthère Royale

Movement: Quartz
Case: 18-carat white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds
Dimensions: 36 mm
Dial: satin finish
Hands: sword-shaped hands in rhodium-finish steel
Strap: grey alligator skin
Buckle: folding buckle in 18-carat white gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds
Crystal and case back: sapphire
Water-resistance: 3 bar (~30 metres)