Cartier, one of the most recognizable names within the world of luxury, is the guest of our Hands On corner with the Cartier Panthère de Cartier Double Loop 18K Yellow Gold (REF: WGPN0013) which was one of the novelties introduced at the SIHH 2018 exhibition.
As I have often spoken of in my past articles about Cartier, I am very happy that the brand has reached the point it deserves in the luxury watchmaking industry. Especially, the brand which succeeded to fill the past decade which we left behind with spectacular models, continues to be successful not only with new versions of cult product groups but also with brand new model families designed from scratch.
The brand’s highlighted product line for 2018 was the Panthère de Cartier Collection, which has been widely popular in the 80s and 90s. The legendary model family that was introduced to the likes of watch enthusiasts with its renewed face at this year’s SIHH exhibition, was highly acclaimed with its wide range of options varying from case materials to different sizes.
Our choice is the Cartier Panthère de Cartier Double Loop 18K Yellow Gold (REF: WGPN0013) which was a member the renewed Panthère de Cartier Collection that got full marks from us.
I can say that the model I choose for review actually has features that matches directly with my preferences. And I’ll tell you why...
Firstly, I am still not used to that oversized women watches thing (this still includes the fact that I am a watch enthusiast for the last 20 years and eventually turned this hobby into a profession). For this reason, the model I chose reflects the elegant women’s watch concept in my head very successfully with its size measuring 22mm x 30mm and only 6mm thick.
Another reason for preference is the case (and also the bracelet) material: 18K yellow gold. If I have to go in order, the first thing I must say is I love solid gold watches. And I love them when they are solid gold women’s watches as well. I think the luxury identity of the gold and its ability of taking a watch to the jewelry side instead of a time telling device only, match perfectly with the nature of the women’s timepieces. Of course, gold is not enough as its tone is very important as well in my opinion. I think, I do not need to tell you again why I do not prefer white gold. Pink gold is never my first preference and I do not think it ever will be even when I think irrespectively of any make or model. Especially if we are talking about a classic model like Panthère de Cartier, the yellow gold tone, which is older than the history of mankind, is definitely the right choice.
Let me add that the case is equipped with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal on the front side and the Cartier classic sapphire set winding crown. It is water resistant to 30 meters / 3 bars.
The model comes with a white dial. Stylized Roman numeral hour markers and blued hands, which are also Cartier classics, are present in this model as well. The dial, which does not have a second hand, is perfectly legible. Featuring all the details that shaped the brand’s DNA, the dial matches beautifully with the rest of the elegant design.
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Double Loop 18K Yellow Gold (REF: WGPN0013) is powered by a Quartz movement. Being a battery powered caliber without any complications (even a second hand), there is not much to say about the movement. However, this is totally not a disadvantage as its obvious that the best thing about this watch is not its horological value.
The most distinguishing feature of the model is surely its metal bracelet. Let me tell you about my choice for this particular bracelet. First of all, metal bracelets have a remarkable durability advantage over leather (or silicon, textile, etc.) straps. I also got the metal bracelet version as I believe a versatile model such as Cartier Panthère de Cartier Double Loop 18K Yellow Gold (REF: WGPN0013) would be used on a daily basis. At the end of the day, metal bracelets can be worn in any weather and with almost every type of clothing.
The bracelet design used in the Panthère de Cartier Collection is very elegant. You may think that the bracelet, which is entirely mirror polished, end up showing scratches after a short period of daily wear. But thanks to the small multi-link design of the bracelet, the scratches will not stand out like a sore thumb. And even if they do, all will buff out with a slight polish.
The last and the most important part about the metal bracelet is its Double Loop style. Metal bracelets in the Panthère de Cartier Collection include Double or Triple Loop options. My preference is for the Double Loop version, because the effect of this loop thing is great in bringing the accessory identity of the model to the forefront. It looks and feels like a piece of jewelry. The Triple Loop is also pretty stylish but there is no doubt that Double Loop version will be a better choice when considering everyday use. In the meantime, I should remind you that this Loop option has a remarkable effect on the prices.
Like every Cartier timepiece, I like the watch a lot. And I especially liked the phrase that the brand used for the collection: Never Go Unnoticed. Brilliant!
I think Cartier Panthère de Cartier Double Loop 18K Yellow Gold (REF: WGPN0013) is among the most successful women’s watches of the year, with its classical unique design, with its beautiful dial that screams out Cartier and the Double Loop bracelet that blends the luxury watch and jewelry concepts within golden proportions.
