I Asked Our Editors Which Luxury Watch They'd Love to Own—They All Said This One

A luxury watch is one of the biggest investments you can make when it comes to your wardrobe, and so it's an item that requires considered research. When it comes to fine jewellery and watches one of the most iconic brands is heritage label Cartier, and if you look closely in any picture of a celebrity, royal or world leader over the past 50 years you're likely to spot a Cartier watch. Michelle Obama, Muhammad Ali, John F. Kennedy, Madonna, Andy Warhol, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana and many more have all worn a Cartier watch. And one of the styles your most likely to find on their arm is Cartier's Panthère de Cartier watch.

WHAT IS THE PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER WATCH?

The first Panthère de Cartier watch was launched in 1983 and has an '80s feel thanks to the chunky gold bracelet strap. Cartier is regarded as one of the first to create a "jewellery watch" with the Panthère, thanks to the flexible gold chain bracelet paired with the square watch face with rounded corners. It is named after the panther, which is the emblem of the house, as the slinky chain resembles the movement of the animal as it prowls.

WHO HAS WORN THE PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER WATCH?

The original watch was popular throughout the '80s and '90s and had a firm celebrity following. Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jane Fonda wore it throughout the decade. The watch was then relaunched seven years ago in 2017 with subtle updates to the design, such as a whiter dial and tighter links in the bracelet, which the house said was done to further accentuate the jewellery aspects of the design. The watch looks particularly amazing paired with gold hoops and chain jewellery for the full '80s feel. The relaunched watch has been seen on a long list of celebrities' wrists such as Dua Lipa, Sienna Miller, Anne Hathaway and Kirsten Dunst.

HOW MUCH DOES A PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER WATCH COST?

Given the level of craftspersonship and quality that goes into creating a Cartier watch, The Panthère de Cartier doesn't come cheap, and you can expect to find prices ranging from just over £4,000 for the simplest styles to anywhere up to £100,000 for the rarer Panthère de Cartier watches. I've kept a close eye on the cost of Cartier's Panthère de Cartier watch over the past couple of years, and have seen key styles increase by as much as £2,000 in cost.

IS THE PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER WATCH WORTH IT?

As I'm sure you'll appreciate, the answer to this is completely subjective. If you wear a watch every day and have the budget to spend the sum needed to invest in a Panthère de Cartier watch, then I would say, yes, it is worth it in regards to its classicality, elegance and timelessness. I asked our editors which luxury watch they'd most like to own, and a large majority responded the Panthère de Cartier. Perhaps that tells you more than words ever could.

Keep scrolling to see how people have been wearing the Panthère de Cartier for the past four decades, and then a closer look at the recent designs.

CELEBRITIES WEARING THE PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER WATCH

Jane Fonda in 1987 wearing the watch which many regard as an emblem of the '80s.

Gwyneth Paltrow wore this throughout the '90s, often paired with her simple monochrome outfits.

Sienna Miller is a fan of Cartier, and here wore it a Panthère party with a simple silk cami and skirt, showing it is beautiful with eveningwear.

Madonna wore the Panthère throughout the '80s.

Dua Lupa pairs her Panthère with lots of gold jewellery.

Another classic Gwyneth '90s look, made even better with her gold watch.

Here is a closer look at Sienna's wristwatch.

Anne Hathaway is another Hollywood star who has the Panthère de Cartier.

Model Jasmine Tookes is known for her ultra-elegant style, so it makes sense she has a Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch in her collection.

Shop the Panthère de Cartier Watch