STRONGER THAN EVER

CARTIER

1. THE PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN

The maison’s perennial muse, the panther strides elegantly onto the dial of the Panthères et Colibri time-, no, art-piece. A fully bejewelled panther rests languidly against the rhodium-finished white gold dial, in a seemingly two-dimensional display of artistic craftsmanship. However, it transforms into a mixed media presentation when the crown is activated, as a baby panther peeks out playfully under his mum’s belly, chasing a hummingbird. The bird swiftly takes flight, rising up to display the timepiece’s remaining power reserve.

2. TWO BECOME ONE

Cartier combines its expertise in jewellery making and horlogerie in a series of unique pieces that seem to defy appellation: call it watch or jewellery, we say it’s art in motion. The fierce dragon sits at the top of the hierarchy, protecting its menagerie with grace and vitality. Not simply an exercise in sublime jewellery craftsmanship, the dragon’s body encases Cartier’s Mystery movement, its body gleaming with diamonds, coral, onyx and its head is topped by a 23.77-carat fire opal.

3. SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS

The Drive de Cartier writes a new chapter in the maison’s story board: it represents Cartier’s first collection conceived solely with men in mind. It is distinctly not unisex; and it is available in rose gold and stainless steel. It’s a handsome timepiece, bearing the elegant design codes that the maison is recognised for, and yet, it accelerates the brand into brand new territory. It signals the launch of a new shape, a cushion case with tapered edges that give the impression of slimness.

4. SUBLIME ARTISTRY

Since opening the doors to its own metiers d’art workshops in 2014, Cartier has constantly pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. The panther is once again the star of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, which combines the art of enamelling with granulation: tiny beads of enamel are fused together to form the head of the panther. This meticulous process takes the artisan one month to complete.

Cartier has launched its most stellar line-up of timepieces yet, demonstrating its artistry in design and in movement-making. We shortlist our top launches of the year: