Panthère Songeuse Watch

Cartier’s emblematic feline stands guard over the hours on this jewellery watch, presented as three different renditions: two fully set with diamonds and this one in champlevé enamel, one of Cartier’s many areas of expertise in the métiers d’art. Crafted from white gold, the case, buckle, dial and head of the pensive (“songeuse”) panther are set with 734 brilliant-cut diamonds, with pear-cut emeralds for the feline’s eyes, an onyx for its nose and sapphires forming a spotted coat. Complementing this meticulous gem-setting are the carefully applied ribbons of champlevé enamel, whereby powdered enamel fills tiny cavities that are carved into the metal by hand. After the five colours have been fired, the polisher adds the final touch to create a gentle gradient of shades. The enamel work alone takes four days to complete, added to the 15 hours for the gem-setting on the dial and case, and 120 hours for the gem-setting on the panther.