Ronde Louis Cartier Sparkling Panthere Marquetry

Cartier’s favourite feline stares out from the dial of this Ronde Louis Cartier watch in an interplay of dark and light. Artisans at the brand’s Maison des Métiers d’Art have taken advantage of the fragmented composition to give this panther a particularly graphic expression. A geometric grid in gold is inlaid with more than 120 tiny marquetry pieces. Part of the grid is coloured black to emphasise the contrast of dark and light, while the vibrant blue comes from pigment applied to the background. Light and transparency intensifies the colour and brings out the warm tones of the marquetry. Two pear-cut diamonds in a closed setting for the eyes bring the panther’s gaze to life. A total of 124 elements form the marquetry: 16 blades of straw, eight pieces of wood, two yellow gold elements and 34 white gold elements, 16 sapphire crystal fragments and 48 mother-of-pearl segments. Each watch calls on ten specialist techniques. A limited edition of 30 pieces.