Cartier Panthère Watches: Five Stunning Examples from the Sotheby’s Archive

C artier's Panthere designs have long been symbols of elegance, sophistication and untamed grace. Following Cartier's introduction of the panthere design in 1914 the motif has since become iconic, employed across both its high jewelry and watch creations. Cartier Panthere watches reflect the artistic spirit of Cartier and the powerful allure of this animal. Below we explore five standout examples from the Sotheby’s archive, each showcasing Cartier's use of the panthere in a variety of unique forms across its watchmaking creations.

Cartier Panthere Reference 315AF, Circa 2011, 2,772,000 HKD

This Cartier Panthere Reference 315AF sold in April 2022 for 2,772,000 HKD.

A stunning creation from 2011, this Cartier Panthere watch was an extraordinary representation of the maison's craftsmanship. The white gold bangle was set with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, and took the form of a resting panther. The pavé-set diamond dial added an extra layer of brilliance, complementing the gemstone-encrusted panther, whose tail wrapped elegantly around the wrist to evoke both power and subtlety. The provenance of this Cartier Panthere watch added to its allure, coming complete with its original Cartier Certificate of Origin, setting pin, instruction manual and presentation box.

Its seldom commonplace for a brand to create a watch integrated into a bangle of such intricacy. Cartier's ability to do so with this creation demonstrates the maison's leadership in effortlessly bringing together the crafts of fine watchmaking and and high jewelry.

La Panthère de Cartier, 889,000 HKD

This La Panthère de Cartier sold for 889,000 HKD in April 2025, reflecting the enduring appeal of Cartier’s most iconic motif. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, the bracelet features a sculptural panther fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds, accented with mesmerizing pear-shaped emerald eyes and a cabochon onyx nose. Combining the elegance of high jewelry with the functionality of a quartz timepiece, the design seamlessly integrates the watch into the bracelet, with a signed caseback and strap, Swiss assay and maker’s marks, and a stamped Cartier case.

Cartier’s mastery of both jewelry and watchmaking is evident in this exceptional piece. The refined silhouette of the panther, a symbol long associated with the maison’s bold spirit, is brought to life through meticulous gem-setting and sculptural craftsmanship. With an inner circumference of approximately 160mm, the bracelet wraps gracefully around the wrist, embodying a sense of strength and grace. Few maisons are capable of blending high jewelry and horology with such finesse—this creation is a testament to Cartier’s unrivaled artistry and its legacy of creating wearable works of art.

Cartier Panthère Mystérieuse, 698,500 HKD

This Cartier Panthère Mystérieuse sold for 698,500 HKD in April 2025, a remarkable testament to the maison's innovative approach to watchmaking and high jewelry. The round transparent dial, encircled by a meticulously crafted panther set with brilliant-cut diamonds, creates a striking visual effect. Enhanced with black lacquer spots and pear-shaped emerald eyes, the panther forms an exquisite contrast against the sleek black leather strap. The deployant clasp, also adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, adds a final touch of opulence. Powered by a mechanical movement and mounted in 18 karat white gold, this piece exemplifies Cartier's mastery in combining artistry and horology.

The bracelet, with a length of approximately 160mm, offers a sophisticated and bold statement of style. Signed with Cartier’s signature on both the caseback and strap, along with the Swiss assay mark and maker’s mark, this watch is as much a piece of jewelry as it is a timepiece. The piece comes complete with its pouch, stamped Cartier, further elevating its provenance. This extraordinary creation from Cartier continues the maison's legacy of blending tradition with innovation, allowing the wearer to experience both luxury and precision in a singular, captivating design.

La Panthère de Cartier Reference HPI01342, Circa 2015, 254,000 HKD

This La Panthère de Cartier Reference HPI01342 sold for 254,000 HKD in February 2023 as part of Sotheby’s Fine Watches auction in Hong Kong.

Produced around 2015, this Cartier Panthere watch showcased Cartier's expertise in sculpting jewelry into functional pieces of art. The panther’s figure, set with diamonds and tsavorite garnets, wrapped around the wrist in a fluid motion. Its posture was reminiscent of the creature’s agility and elegance. The black dial provided a dramatic contrast against the use of gold and gemstones, amplifying the luxurious feel of the piece. The bangle design meanwhile ensured that this watch stood out both as a piece of high watchmaking and fine jewelry. The attention to detail, from the gemstones to the panther’s pose, made this Cartier Panthere watch a collector favourite for those prizing both artistry and rarity.

Cartier Panthère 1925 Reference 2309, Circa 1997, 127,000 HKD

This Cartier Panthère 1925 Reference 2309 sold in April 2023 for 127,000 HKD as part of Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong.

Crafted in yellow gold and dating back to 1997, this watch represented a bold yet playful approach to the brand’s use of the panther motif. Featuring pavé-set diamonds and emerald-set eyes, this Cartier Panthere watch radiated opulence and sophistication with the panther’s form twisted around the bezel The combination of yellow gold and the rich green of the emeralds created a captivating contrast that underscored the watch’s luxurious design. Complete with its original Cartier International Guarantee Certificate, product literature, and presentation box, this lot was offered in all round excellent condition.

Cartier Panthere watches have long captured the imagination of Cartier collectors and connoisseurs. Each of the five watches highlighted here showcased a unique aspect of the Cartier Panthere motif, from sculptural bangles to gem-encrusted bezels. These Panthere watches reflect Cartier's enduring commitment to the striking use of animal motifs across their high jewelry and fine watchmaking designs.

Advantages to Buying Cartier Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Cartier watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers exceptional Cartier timepieces, from iconic classics to rare references. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Cartier watch models from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Cartier watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Cartier watch models not available online.

3. Value

While authorized Cartier boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Cartier watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Cartier timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Cartier watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Cartier watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Cartier Watches at Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Cartier watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Cartier models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Cartier Tank, Santos, Panthère, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Cartier timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Cartier watches start around $14,000 for models like the Cartier Santos and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Ballon Bleu and Cartier Tortue often command starting prices of around $25,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.

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