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Jewellery and timepieces often go hand in hand, but does one influence the other?

Patek Philippe Ref. 7968

It is no secret that luxury watch brands have been taking keen interest in jewellery for years as part of their learning curve to design horological sculptures. The idea is to look beyond pure timekeeping and precision instruments to develop extraordinary jewels of time; this of course has nothing to do with the jewels in mechanical calibres!

Isabelle Cerboneschi, a renowned historian of fashion, watchmaking and jewellery had this to say when asked about the watch brand that paved the way in terms of applying ornamentation in its collections, “If we’re talking about the last two centuries, I would definitely say Vacheron Constantin. The company, which was founded in 1755, joined forces with the Parisian jeweller Ferdinand Verger (which later changed to the name Verger Frères in 1921) as early as 1879…until 1938. Together, they created jewellery that told time according to the style and taste of that period, including some Art Nouveau and Art Deco marvels. They had nothing to envy the pieces of the great jewellers of Place Vendôme in Paris. The Verger Company had registered numerous patents in the field of jewellery and watchmaking, and Vacheron Constantin benefited from these awe-inspiring inventions. For instance, in the company’s archives, there is a watch with flaps that opens mechanically to reveal the time.”

Vacheron Constantin 1972

Jewellery and watchmaking in Geneva, the home of Vacheron Constantin, became interlinked when the austere Christian reformer John Calvin ran the show in the city back in the 16th century. He banned jewellery, and thus the craftspeople all switched to watchmaking; it is a well-known story in the city, and shaped the destiny of watchmaking in Switzerland, as did the Reformation in general. Swiss watchmakers later developed a reputation for crafting highly ornate pieces, in stark contrast with their English and American counterparts.

When it comes to giving an ornamental look to watches, Abraham-Louis Breguet was also very influential. “Breguet was really at the cutting edge of making watches people carried, particularly European royalty and nobility, and some of those early pieces had amazing ornamentation done on them. Of course, he didn’t start it. In fact, it started long before him in the preceding centuries, but he helped make it more fashionable,” said Eric Wind, a seasoned vintage watch expert.

EVOLUTION OF WATCH SHAPES INSPIRED BY JEWELLERY

Jewellery houses have also played a pioneering role in the origin of wristwatches that never fall short of appealing to the senses, and the one that alwayd comes to mind is Cartier. One only needs to think of the Santos to understand why, and then add Edmond Jaeger’s contribution and it all makes sense. Always regarded as the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers, Cartier remains a triumphant player in both haute joaillerie and haute horlogerie. We do not need to see the novelties at Watches and Wonders Geneva to tell you that there will be some sublime “jewels of time,” on display.

The principle of embracing liberal yet enchanting designs of its own has always been at the core of Cartier’s ethos even when it comes to creating highend timepieces in varying shapes thanks to its unparalleled expertise in jewellery. We will just name-drop a few for good measure: the Tank (in all its various forms), Tortue, the mind-bending Crash, Cloche, Ballon Bleu, and Baignoire—We could go on at length but Cartier will always deliver some sort of new sort of watch that will surprise (like the recent Pebble, seen below).

A good part of the success of these watch shapes also has to do with their attractive design features such as Roman numerals, blued hands (sword hands or Breguet hands), and rail-road minute tracks on the dials. No other brand has had as much success with shaped watches as Cartier, and it all has to do with both how the watches look as well as how they wear. When gems are in the picture, Cartier takes it to another level.

“I think Cartier has often been the maker of the best “jewellery watches” in that they sometimes have incredible stones incorporated and other times it’s just the watch standing on its own merit,” Wind said. The gem-set version of the Astrotourbillon (literally a favourite of more than one WOW editor) bears this out. Wind continues: “The worlds of jewellery and watches are inextricably connected as watches really evolved out of jewellery centuries ago; pieces of the watch such as the case and dial were mostly made by jewellers for early timepieces. Often the craftsmen and designers for watches started their careers in jewellery. Gérald Genta, probably the most famous watch designer of all time, started life as a jewellery designer before pivoting to watches and his work very much reflects that approach. Gilbert Albert, who famously designed so many interesting Patek Philippe watches, especially the iconic Asymetrie wristwatch series in the 1960s, also was a jewellery designer. At the end of the day, jewellery and watches are both about shapes and craftsmanship or skill.”

Cartier Tank Française

Gilbert’s contribution to the world of jewelled watches can be gauged precisely from the Patek Philippe Ref. 3295, part of the “Tutti Frutti collection”. Most importantly, it won the 1960 Prix de la Ville Genève (which today is the GPHG) jewellery watch award.

“Not surprisingly, the real difference came to light when brands like Piaget, Omega, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet called on brilliant designers like Gerald Genta or the lesser known but no less brilliant Jean Claudie-Gueit, who worked for big brands like Baume & Mercier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, for whom he particularly invented the rainbow setting. But above all, he worked for Piaget, creating emblematic models such as the Polo or other more creative watches, including articulated cuffs or stone dials all under the aegis of Yves Piaget,” Cerboneschi said.

So in terms of shapes especially asymmetrical ones from trapezoidal to elliptical, if one looks at the vintage models of Patek Philippe (the Gondolo collection), Vacheron Constantin (its 1972 asymmetric model, tonneau and cushion-shaped designs), Piaget, Omega and Audemars Piguet, all these watch brands borrowed from the rich history of jewellery aesthetics. All in all, Vacheron Constantin was having its own heyday in designing playful watch designs from 1910 to 1930 like a shutter watch from the 1930s and the ref. 10970 from 1917. As Christian Selmoni, heritage and style director at Vacheron Constantin said, “When it comes to the Maison still releasing limited editions of early shaped watches from its archives, the best example that comes to mind is the American 1921, which is one of the most recognizable designs of the brand with its crown at 1 o’clock and its inclined dial in a cushion-shaped case. Such models from the past demonstrate Vacheron Constantin’s endless creativity and bold attitude already adopted by it at the beginning of the 20th century.”

Shedding further light on how jewellery has influenced the technical aspect of watchmakers or taken it to another level, Wind pointed out, “There have always been new innovations in the world of jewellery, including advancements in the art of stone setting and materials used. So watchmakers will often adopt these approaches in order to advance their own designs.”

Another famous Swiss watchmaker with a history of crafting astonishing watches in bold shapes is Corum with its Golden Bridge collection. Since its introduction in 1980, the brand has been able to occupy a particular place in the hearts of watch lovers. “All the iterations of the Golden Bridge collection created thus far have been extremely successful in garnering a great deal of popularity in the watch collecting world thanks to (watchmaker) Vincent Calabrese’s vision of inventing a timepiece without a dial yet revealing the movement in its entirety,” said Marc Walti, head of product marketing and communications at Corum.

Corum Golden Bridge models

While the baguette movement can fit into any shape, Walti explained, “We will focus mainly on the iconic tonneau shape in the future and play more with “métiers d’art” to better highlight this movement. Having a collection such as this which remains in demand is a boon and the wish of many a watch brand. Timelessness is a highly sought-after value in this sector.”

MEN’S PENCHANT FOR WATCHES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

“Nevertheless, there will always be male customers obsessed with purchasing luxury bling jewellery watches like the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo whose passion for ostentatious jewelled timepieces is well-documented. But as time goes by, the demand for traditional watches fitted with extreme complications as well as studded with precious gemstones and diamonds in a certain way will also grow bigger,” Cerboneschi said.

Jacob & Co. The Caviar Tourbillon Tsavorites

It is no wonder that Ronaldo’s preference for classy watches adorned with gemstones is no less prominent. He is often spotted wearing one of Breguet double tourbillon models such as its Classique ‘Grande Complication’ 5349PT model. Since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now his new homeland after he signed the contract with the country’s Al Nassr football club, he made it more special by wearing the most lavish and expensive timepiece “The Caviar Tourbillon Tsavorites” created by Jacob & Co for his arrival here in January this year. The case of this 47mm watch comes adorned with 224 baguette tsavorites on the surface, with 130 baguette tsavorites used on the dial and 18 on the buckle.

The popularity of jewelled watches certainly owes a lot of credit to men and women alike as they both love such luxury pieces. “I think of the Rolex Rainbow Daytona series as the perfect example where men and women both want to own this watch,” Wind said.

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Roar in style with Panthère de Cartier

It dates back to 1941 when the panther first made an abstract appearance on a ladies’ wristwatch juxtaposing onyx and diamonds designed by Louis Cartier. In 1933, Jeanne Toussaint, whom Louis Cartier affectionately nicknamed “La Panthère”, took over the helm at Cartier and fleshed out the big cat in three-dimensional creations for the first time in 1935, setting the stage for Cartier jewellery’s signature artistry.

Fast-forward to the present, Cartier’s dearest emblem, the panther, makes its mark on the newest Panthère de Cartier bag in a nod to Toussaint’s creative heritage.

Fluid lines and a structured silhouette meet in this top handle to evoke the panther’s fierce elegance and magnetic allure. Its façade is completed with a jewel clasp – C for Cartier, but if you look closely, it’s a finely sculpted bangle featuring the movement of the panther. Different sizes of black lacquer spots emulating the feline’s rosettes adorn the clasp to give it life and motion.

Cartier’s accessories design studio worked closely with its High Jewellery sculptors to seamlessly translate luxury and versatility into every detail of the Panthère de Cartier bag.

Its minimalist proportion is presented in calfskin with scratch-resistant wavy grained texture and sheen, making it an ideal 9-to-5 ally. Together with the handle, the adjustable and detachable strap ensures different styling options. To top it off, its roomy interior is equipped with thoughtful compartments, pockets and portable mirror.

Visit cartier.com to find out more.

Watches and Wonders 2022 Day 2 Highlights

Image: Chanel

It’s day 2 of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022, and we go beyond mind-blowing today. Patek Philippe was so astonishing we had to take a second appointment, but that’s for later. We begin not with a watch but with extraordinary objects. That means Van Cleef & Arpels, and a time for magic, if not the time down to the precise second. The art and craft of watchmaking enables automatons such as the Fontaine Aux Oiseaux and the Reveries de Berylline, and of course the Planetarium Automaton. That last one is a massive work that scales the much-loved Midnight Planetarium up (to the tune of half a metre, no less).

When you see something like the Fontaine Aux Oiseaux, your faith in humanity will be restored. Words can’t capture what this creation means but we’ll link a video below. In fact, there are videos for all three automatons but you’ll be no wiser for watching them. On the other hand, you might feel better about the world we live in, and that’s no small feat. But that’s for another time, because now we do have to look at a few wristwatches. Like the Van Cleef & Arpels creations — including the Lady Arpels Heures Floral, which is much more than it appears to be — the other watches we looked at today are simply inspirational.

The watchmaking prowess of Chanel has achieved new heights with the J12 Diamond Tourbillon Calibre 5. While Chanel has flying Tourbillons in its collection, it now has one made completely in-house. The watch deserves a better introduction and we will try to do it justice later. It has specific particularities that make it entirely a Chanel beauty, albeit a complicated one. An interesting side note here is the matte ceramic in use, which appears both technically impressive and aesthetically promising to our eyes.

The wow-factor journey does not end there because we must discuss the Cartier Masse Mysterieuse, which Hodinkee’s Jack Forster calls wondrously strange. First of all, it is a mystery watch that shows all its tricks but conceals how it works. The entire movement is contained inside the oscillating mass, otherwise known as the rotor, and seems to be disconnected from the hands entirely. To understand this watch, you have to go back in time to 2011, and the magnificent Astroregulateur. I am particularly tickled here because I caught this origin when the Cartier presenter did not. Well, I am sometimes unintelligible so there is that…

Cartier Masse Mystérieuse
Image: Cartier

Completely intelligible is the Patek Philippe Ref. 5326G, a watch with something like eight patents hiding beneath the dial. It is an annual calendar with dual time zone function, but that explanation certainly does nothing for the wow factor. Okay, what makes this amazing is that it is virtually impossible to desynchronise the indications, whether you move the hands backwards or forwards. The main time setting function is accomplished with just one crown, although there are pushers for independent adjustment; we do not know why you would need them. Well, we kind of do know why but we want to run it by Patek Philippe again before we spill it.

Image: Patek Philippe

We’ll close with a fourth wall break. These kinds of stories are written on the fly, often in little 15 minute breaks on a phone, without so much as a press release to inform them. We do our best to refine them and check them, but there is a price to be paid for speed. We shall certainly return to some of the watches noted here in the weeks and months to come.

For more watch reads, click here.

Cartier’s Regional CEO, Cecile Naour on the importance of empowering women

Cecile Naour is a strong believer in phrase ‘when women thrive, humanity thrives’. The 175-year-old Maison has grown from strength to strength in the decades since its founding, something that Naour attributes to the company’s emphasis on nurturing female talent and fostering an inclusive, diverse environment for all.

“Leaning into the diversity of the team is very important to me,” says Naour, who joined the Maison in 2014 as a business development director, and made a steady ascent to regional CEO. “My priority is to give every one room to express their views and encourage exchanges that make dialogue richer and decisions stronger.”

Naour has seen first-hand the value of empowering women. The Maison’s long-running Cartier Women’s Initiative is a prime example of this. Now in its 15th year, the international entrepreneurship programme has benefited numerous female impact entrepreneurs: Awardees have ranged from a Kenyan woman whose company recycles waste plastic into eco-friendly lumber while creating jobs for people in marginalised communities, to a Chinese woman who uses artificial intelligence and big data to support the development of clean energy.

Here, Naour talks about what more needs to be done to ensure lasting change, and offers her advice for women looking to pursue their dreams.

 

As someone in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what would you like to see change for women, and how do you think this can be accomplished?

Creating an environment that supports women development and career progression is necessary to initiate change. Then creating the conditions for them to succeed in their role is even better!

Cartier has been empowering women for years, so women have an equal voice and chance to succeed in the Maison. This focus on nurturing female talent pipeline and accelerating the promotion of women into strategic positions became even stronger when Cyrille Vigneron re-joined Cartier in 2016 as President & CEO. Today, Cartier Regional CEOs in North America, Middle East, Japan and Southeast Asia and Oceania are women. It started with an unreserved trust in their leadership capacity… and it works!

In Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, 70 per cent of our employees are women and slightly over half of the regional leadership team are women. It took a while, but today we have found a good balance as a team and we like working together very much. This is precious, and I am mindful to preserve this balance.

Cartier reaffirmed its commitment towards supporting women impact entrepreneurs at an event in Singapore held at the National Gallery. Image: Cartier

The Cartier Women’s Initiative was established in 2006 and aims to empower women around the world in their various endeavours. How has the Initiative evolved over the years?

The Cartier Women’s Initiative gives women entrepreneurs a voice and brings their ideas to light. Fifteen years on, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has supported 262 women impact entrepreneurs hailing from 62 countries and has awarded a total of 6,440,000 million dollars in prize money to support their businesses.

The fellowship has expanded from funding five Fellows in 2007 to 24 fellows in 2021. Our Fellows continue to contribute and to learn from the Cartier Women’s Initiative, a lifelong community of more than 500 — and that just keeps growing!

 

You’ve been with Cartier, in various directorial roles, since 2014. What are some of your most memorable experiences?

In 2016, I was based in Dubai as the Maison’s Regional Business Development Director. I travelled extensively in the region where I met many incredible women. I was amazed by their brilliant minds, their proactiveness, and their optimistic view of their country’s development and the standing of women in the country.

They had strong beliefs which they shared openly and I really enjoyed and benefitted from my conversations with these women. My interactions with these women left a lasting impression of what empowered women can do. I also felt an immense positivity and optimism that we can, and are already, creating the right conditions for women to thrive. And when women thrive, humanity thrives!

 

In your experience, why should more employers place more focus on equitable employment?

Each employee is unique. My role as a leader is to detect, understand, appreciate and value the unique strengths of each individual and to create an inclusive environment that allows men and women to shine and reveal their uniqueness.

Leaning into the diversity of the team is very important to me. My priority is to give every one room to express their views and encourage exchanges that make dialogue richer and decisions stronger.

 

With the younger generation reshaping the future of the workforce, do you think women today will still face the same challenges as their predecessors?

As of today, it is still a challenge for women to have it all. Women face different conditions depending on where they live and work. Some countries are more favourable towards women having both career and family, while others are still learning and need more time to support women in handling both. It will require time, effort and active change in policies to sustainably anchor such changes in societies. At a company level, improving employee benefits can certainly help.

From my experiences and interactions with women living in the different countries of Southeast Asia, I am optimistic and hopeful that opportunities are opening up for them as women empowerment gathers momentum around the world.

Image: Cartier

What advice would you give women aspiring to become leaders?

My advice is for women in general, not just for those aspiring to be leaders. It’s important to go after your dream, your heart’s desire, whatever that may be. Find your own space and claim it because only you can.

This also means believing in your worth and having the courage to ask for what you want. Size up the opportunity when it presents itself, don’t hesitate to seize it. We need to have the courage to dream and do big, and be the change we hope to see!

 

Where would you like to see Cartier’s SEA and Oceania divisions in the next 5 years?

Cartier is a reference in the world of luxury, making creations that spark desire and stand the test of time. Cartier is known for an iconic style and a legendary art de faire. My hopes for Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania is to continue to build on that legacy that makes both our clients and employees proud, but also go beyond and develop our purpose-driven mission and engage and nurture dialogue around the Maison commitments.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is one of them. On International Women’s Day this year, we reaffirmed our commitment towards supporting women impact entrepreneurs across the Region with the Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI). Building a community takes time, especially across a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, and we’re really sowing the seeds to connect and support women who are leveraging business as a force for good. We’re part of a global wave of positive change, the momentum is picking up fast in the region, and we will lead and be part of that transformation. Women’s Pavilion at Dubai Expo. Image: Cartier

As a leader in the world of luxury, how else is Cartier supporting women to enact change?

We have brought together a global community of impact leaders with the Cartier Women’s Initiative, celebrating women impact entrepreneurs who are creating ripples of change around the world. Six months ago, Cartier opened a historic Women’s Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo, which is an incredible platform for sharing, dialogue and community.

As the first pavilion dedicated to women in more than a century, we collaborated with many creators and designers to recognised and celebrate the achievements of women all over the world and give hope to those who need. And we will continue to do so in time to come!

Jewel in The Crown: Cartier reveals the latest Double C de Cartier bag

Minimal, chic, timeless and every bit as desirable as the jewels, the Double C de Cartier bag captures a modern sensibility by highlighting a striking double-C insignia in metal and lacquer on the clasp.

Now, accentuated with a glimmering removable metal chain strap, it takes on a sleeker look that gives the sac a day-to-night versatility—just perfect for busy, multitasking moments.

 

Double C de Cartier Mini Chain Bag in Red Cherry and Black

 

Double C de Cartier Mini Chain Bag in Powder Pink

 

Double C de Cartier Small Pouch in Fuchsia and Black

 

Double C de Cartier Small Chain Bag in Black

Photography: Eric Chow / Blink Studio

Styling: Amelia Tan

Creative Direction: Ian Loh

 

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Cartier’s Cloche de Cartier sounds the bell of the modern times

Cloche de Cartier watch

Image: CHING@GREENPLASTICSOLDIERS

In 1903, when Cartier first began to develop wristwatches, it found itself in a unique space. Few jewellers had ventured into watchmaking — the two fields, while related, were rather distinct. Jewellery was ornamental and stylistic in nature, and while the brand had created mantel clocks and mystery clocks, watches to be worn on the wrist were an entirely new segment. Over the next few decades, the brand would introduce a plethora of unusual watch designs, including two highly memorable pieces — the Asymétrique and the Cloche.

I say they were memorable because they literally turned heads. To look at the dial properly, you had to tilt your head. The Asymétrique was designed for drivers: if your hand was at 2 o’clock, the dial would appear straight. But the Cloche was meant to be read in a resting position. The bell-shaped design of the watch case recalled traditional mantel clocks, except this was meant to be worn on a wrist. Presumably, the idea was this: if you were at work, you took off your watch, and thus the Cloche de Cartier could be read as if it were a desk clock.

This certainly made sense in the early 20th century, when the idea of a 9-to-5 job existed. But with our work and personal lives increasingly entangled these days, does the Cloche de Cartier still hold its appeal? Turns out, it does.

I’ve often wondered how a modern interpretation of the Cloche de Cartier would look, and more than once in the past, brought it up with Pierre Rainero, the head of heritage and style for Cartier. He held firm to its perpendicularly-turned form and case design; I imagined a vertical, slimmed-down Cloche with a stepped case design, almost like a bell jar. Mr Rainero’s foresight is far more accurate, but the Cloche de Cartier Skeleton brings forth a very modern-looking wristwatch.

The pink gold model bears a modern slate-grey sunburst dial; the yellow-gold edition has a champagne dial and the platinum an eggshell one. The two latter options have a distinctly vintage feel, and will definitely find interest in Cartier aficionados.

It is the Cloche de Cartier Skeleton models — in pink gold, platinum and diamond-set platinum — bearing the calibre 9626 MC that truly stand out. The Art Deco Roman numerals, joined at their base in a ring under which the gears are positioned, rendering them nearly unnoticeable, makes this the most stylish skeleton movement from Cartier (and there are plenty from the watchmaker, believe us, or else, believe Google). Because of the design of the 9626 MC, the movement is framed in a smaller “cloche” set into the case and secured with screws, which gives it a clear association with another famed Cartier model: the Santos.

These models are all limited: the classic Cloche de Cartier at 100 each, the pink gold and platinum Cloche de Cartier Skeletons at 50 pieces and the diamond-set version with just 10 watches. We’re certain they will be sold out, if they aren’t already.

By Darren Ho

 

Meet Lily Collins as the face for Cartier’s new Clash [Un]limited collection

Like all the Cartier creations that never stopped reinventing themselves, the Clash de Cartier collection introduces a forward-thinking capsule collection that clashes sleek geometric lines with dramatised volume.

Free-spirited and authentic, elegant and audacious, the new Clash [Un]limited collection that embodies a new spectrum of vision at Cartier, which is now endorsed by Lily Collins, the star who demonstrated her range and nuance in David Fincher’s Mank and the breakout Netflix original series Emily in Paris.

 

Cartier has also unveiled a campaign to celebrate the launch of the new Clash [Un]limited collection with Lily Collins. Subdued yet contrasting, the campaign spotlights Cartier’s radical approach to precious jewellery. The spikey and voluminous silhouette are crafted with the duality of attitude in mind, preserving the timeless codes of Cartier while defining new expressions of jewellery.

 

 

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A post shared by Lily Collins (@lilyjcollins)

 

Visit cartier.com to discover more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

 

Dangerous Liaisons: A Panthère de Cartier Retrospective

One does not simply recount the iconic moments in jewellery and consciously leave out the plethora of treasured jewels churned out by Cartier. Its ferocious panther alone is enough to earn the maison a spot in the upper echelons of the luxury world. First sighted in 1914 when the feline’s shiny coat inspired a particular women’s wristwatch that was articulated through a juxtaposition of onyx and diamonds, the panther has since amassed a legion of devoted fans, as evidenced by its staying power.

The wild cat afterwards made another head-turning appearance on Cartier’s Dame à la Panthère—an invitation for a jewellery exhibition. Illustrated by George Barbier, the image featured a refined young woman in layers of pearl necklaces with the beast lounging at her feet. It was said that Louis Cartier had hand-picked the panther in homage to a woman whom he called his “Petite Pantheré”. That same woman would go on to lead a seismic change at Cartier as we know it—the legendary Jeanne Toussaint.

Stylish, creative and with a whole lot of charm to burn, Belgium-born Toussaint ascended the Parisian social ladder in a breeze. The “panther” nickname stuck to her like glue given her rebellious spirit and raving determination, on top of the long fur coat that she’d famously worn in her heyday. Her eye for contemporary fashion, especially when it involved the Art Deco movement, became an invaluable asset that ultimately landed her the coveted role as the creative director of jewellery at Cartier in 1933.

Her enlisting here was a long time coming. Having met with Louis Cartier during World War I, it didn’t take much for Toussaint to recognise their shared vision of style. The dynamic duo fed off each other’s energy and expertise, with Toussaint lending her artistic view and in turn soaking up everything there was to know about jewellery—from gemstones and diamonds to settings and techniques. In her hands, the panther’s traits were beefed up and fleshed out in the most revolutionary ways imaginable.

Only two years into her tenure, Toussaint had transformed the agile predator into a three-dimensional character. A singular ring crafted in yellow gold and black enamel with a central ruby, for the first time, featured two panthers in their semi-full forms with graphic heads and limbs. In 1948, the panther was finally revealed in all its glory as the designer created a panther brooch in yellow gold with emeralds and black enamel for the Duchess of Windsor—one of the original members of the Panthère tribe.

 

WOMEN WALK AHEAD

It is worth noting that the world was a different place when Toussaint rose to the top of the Cartier pyramid. Back in the Thirties, one would be hard-pressed to find a major establishment with a woman at the helm. Toussaint’s reign at the jewellery house had opened up a window of possibility that lifted the limit on what women could achieve. She saw jewellery as a symbol of independence not just to enhance a woman’s beauty but also to reveal her personality, and it especially resonated with those of the Panthère tribe.

The Duchess of Windsor, for instance, was so captivated by the feline’s magnetic charm that she procured a second brooch shortly after her first. The platinum piece set with pavé-cut sapphires was often seen on her belt. Fashion icon Daisy Fellowes was also enchanted by “panthermania”—a term coined by Jean Cocteau—as she acquired a diamond panther brooch with sapphire spots. Fun fact: the design of the brooch was inspired by the necklace of the Order of the Golden Fleece, an ancient and prestigious order of knighthood.

Daisy Fellowes

María Félix

Screen legend María Félix was another reputable figure enumerated in the tribe’s logbook. She once commissioned a bracelet made up of two panthers with their heads facing opposite directions and front legs outstretched, and also had her hands on an equally stunning panther brooch. The creature’s power of seduction lingers to this day with a whole new generation of jewellery wearers who have fallen under its spell. From Mariacarla Boscono to Annabelle Wallis and Ella Balinska, these personalities perfectly embody the fearlessness of the panther.

 

JOURNEY OF THE PANTHÈRE

And just like how the faces of the Panthère tribe have diversified throughout the years, the exotic cat too has evolved beyond expectations. Starting as an abstract interpretation, its silhouette gradually took form in the naturalist style. Here, the panther was captured in its primal element whether it’s lying in wait, pouncing, preying or resting. The design was intended to intensify the panther’s persona, and by marking the edges, exaggerating the volume or accentuating the figure, Toussaint did just that.

She then pivoted to the sculptural style as she channelled the panther’s untamed energy by accentuating its muscles, features and volume. With this anatomical knowledge of the animal, Cartier eventually developed the graphic style approach that gave birth to the geometric panther. Revealing the structure of the panther through simplified volumes as well as taking into consideration ergonomics and comfort factors, the brand successfully rejuvenated the historic motif for the 21st century women.

And speaking of the world at present, Cartier continues to move the panther with the times and keep things exciting with its savoir-faire. Case in point: a glyptics workshop has been put in service to broaden the horizons for the panther as it allows the lapidaries to experiment with atypical materials like hardstone, petrified wood and fossilised organic substances.But there’s more to Panthère de Cartier than meets the eye. Underneath all that glitters lies a complex combination of skills, creativity and technology. Take the panther’s coat as an example—in order to get that realistic, shiny effect, Cartier devised the “fur” setting that requires a critical conversation among its accomplished artisans.

The technique goes from the jeweller who first sculpts the metal and produces the structure of the jewel to the gem-cutter who then cuts the precious or fine stones, customising their size to recreate the panther skin. The cut stone is then sent to the gem-setter for mounting in the respective position. To convey lifelike fur threads, each stone is encircled by minuscule, elongated and curved metal grains that hold it.

This painstaking process epitomises a labour of love—a love of nature, history and craftsmanship. By breathing life into the panther and embracing its fierce personality, Cartier lures strong, independent women to its gilded menagerie and implores them to recognise and appreciate the fundamental freedom of individuality.

 

Visit www.cartier.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

 

A Colourful World: Ronde Louis Cartier Enamel Filigree

One of the two new M.tiers d’Art watches created by Cartier’s artisans in La Chaux-de-Fonds, this umpteenth and unique rehash of the panther, Ronde Louis Cartier Enamel Filigree, is the culmination of exchanges among marquetry craftsmen, jewellers, designers, enamellers, gem-setters and miniature painters.

These experts have manipulated motif, material and volume to realise la panthère’s varied inspirations since its first abstract form appeared in the Maison’s treasure trove in 1914.

Just from the first glimpse, it is apparent why it has taken an orchestra of skills to create the exquisite dial. This latest unexpected encounter with Cartier’s emblematic feline—a symbol of audacity, uniqueness and strength— takes place at a bamboo grove that has been enacted using the filigree technique and enamel.

 

 

To create the bamboo foreground on the mesmerising dial, the craftsman has to first heat up the enamel powder before stretching the glass until it assumes the shape of the bamboo.

At this stage, it is then set and fixed to the dial with the help of tiny yellow gold strands. Next to be employed from the arsenal of Cartier’s artisanal expertise to optimise the dial’s sense of perspective and depth are: firstly, domed champlevé enamel for the bamboo in the background and the black spots of the beast’s fur and eyes; and secondly, miniature painting for the sky and the background bamboo.

Only 30 limited-edition pieces of this individually numbered watch in 18k white gold are made available worldwide. Powered by a 430 MC manual-winding movement with 38-hour power reserve, it features a 36 mm diameter; a brilliant-cut diamond-set crown; a total of 269 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel, dial and buckle; and a blue alligator leather strap.

 

Visit www.cartier.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Cartier Unveils an All-New Fall/Winter 20 Eyewear Collection Inspired By Flight

How vintage mountaineering sunglasses looked thanks to the work of Frenchman Jules Baud, the founder of Julbo

Mountaineering sunglasses are about as old as when humans decided that climbing mountains and scaling new heights was a good idea. As soon as these madmen started encountering the blinding rays of unfiltered sunlight in the upper atmosphere, man realised that if we were going to go these places – fly above the clouds or climb massive peaks glacial snow, we were going to have to deal with the brutal reflections of blazing light unbroken clouds.

Some of the oldest companies claim that this new breed of sunglasses made for the adventurous were developed as early as the 1880s. As Doug K. Scott had outlined in his book Big Wall Climbing, we begin summiting mountains in the 1850s, which meant that 30 years of development time and innovation by pioneers like Frenchman Jules Baud, the founder of Julbo, had been looking into the eye protection needs of Alpine mountaineers and Charmonix crystal miners since 1888; but it wasn’t until the 1950s, that Julbo heralded an usual yet stylishly appointed visage of what they considered the “modern sunglasses” – leather shielded in the usual areas which would typically allow light in, like at the nose bridge and the temple areas, Julbo Vermonter shades introduced the world to a style of classical sunglasses that would never be created again with such panache. That is until today.

Cartier’s modern interpretation – Santos de Cartier, taking cues from aviator Alberto Santos and the death defying antics of early mountaineer pioneers who climbed Mont Blanc. Retail: S$1290

Scaling heights: Cartier Unveils an All-New Fall/Winter 2020 Eyewear Collection Inspired By Flight

Suffice it to say, the advent of flexible materials like titanium and high-tech acetate plastics, have meant that most sunglasses today adopt a more futuristic wraparound style instead of the leather bound sunglasses from the 19th century. Cartier revives this long lost aesthetic with their latest Fall/Winter 2020 eyewear collection; sans eye-cup sunglasses, the classicism is a welcome throwback to an era when outdoor accessories were less technical and more stylish.

Through utilizing geometric shapes and signed details, Cartier’s savoir-faire comes to life in the all-new Fall/Winter 20 Eyewear collection. With a distinguishing Santos de Cartier style, the collection aims to evoke memories of the iconic watch created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. The navigator and pilot designs thus exude a strong masculine aesthetic that is bold and instantly recognizable, whilst visible screws punctuate the luminous contours to recall airplane rivets, and the frames’ sharp profiles echo the emblematic cut of the Santos watchcase.

The Maison’s passion for high refinement is expressed by the Trinity de Cartier frames inspired by the namesake ring and its signature interlaced design. A luminous mix of materials and precious finishes elevates the elegant proportions of the sunglass and optical styles, which bear a front knot detail and a miniature ring as a symbol of friendship, love and fidelity.

By Julia Roxan

 

New Cartier SurNaturel High Jewellery Collection inspired by Nature

The new Cartier SurNaturel High Jewellery Collection seems to be art imitating life. At the height of the pandemic quarantine, an economic segment seemed to surge upwards – Nurseries.

Across the European continent and the continental US, Reuters reported fruit and vegetable seed sales are jumping worldwide as masses turned to gardening as a soothing, family friendly hobby that also eases concerns over food security as lockdowns slow the harvesting and distribution of crops. In land scarce Southeast Asian metropolitan cities like Singapore, working from home parents turned to a spot of gardening on the balcony as an activity that not only promoted a sense of personal well-being but also didn’t involve a screen for children stuck on home-based learning.

New Cartier SurNaturel High Jewellery Collection: Nature Immortalised in Art

“Going beyond the real and reinventing it. Through the richness of its style and the refinement of its expertise, Cartier paves the way to a transfigured supernatural beauty.”

Dubbed [Sur]Naturel, the new High Jewellery collection by Cartier reveals a nature that is “freed from reality’s constraints” – but what one finds under the very real constraint of a pandemic lockdown is that Cartier’s new high jewellery SurNaturel collection is perhaps a literal embodiment of timeless desire ensconced in the precious metal and stone objets d’art replicating the eternal nature of water, flora and fauna – to wit, a virus or climate change may wipe us out and yet the world (and nature along with it) turns.

As with every High Jewellery collection, Cartier [Sur]Naturel showcases the most precious, archaic, beautiful and mysterious stones, the beauty of plants and animals (and the very spirit endowed in living creatures) embodied within the material and artistic abstractions.

In Cartier’s new high jewellery SurNaturel collection, the roundness of a plant form bursting with flavour, coloured spots coming together to form an unreal animal coat or a series of glistening ice crystals. The jewellers intensify the stones’ evocative powers, blending wilderness with fantasy; One where diamonds, emeralds and sapphires are combined with opal and kunzite, coral and aquamarine, beryl and quartz. The stones show off their transparency and effects of depth.

Cartier SurNaturel Gharial

Platinum, five octagonal emeralds from Zambia totalling 11.31 carats, fifteen octagonal emeralds from Zambia totalling 4.13 carats, two F VS1/VS2 tapered diamonds totalling 6.90 carats, tapered diamonds, square-shaped diamonds, brilliant-cut diamonds.

Cartier SurNaturel Tillandsia

White gold, two oval-shaped green beryls totalling 163.97 carats, one 0.55-carat fancy yellow pear- shaped diamond, one 0.53-carat fancy dark orange-brown pear-shaped diamond, rutilated quartz, brown pear-shaped diamonds, yellow rose- cut diamonds, yellow and white brilliant-cut diamonds.

Cartier Panthere Tropicale Watch

Yellow gold, two octagonal aquamarines totalling 12.71 carats, two octagonal blue tourmalines totalling 20.58 carats, coral, onyx, brilliant-cut diamonds, quartz movement.

Cartier SurNaturel Hemis

Platinum, one 71.08-carat cushion- shaped kunzite, opals, pink and white brilliant-cut diamonds.

 

Rami Malek, Willow Smith, Jackson Wang and more gather for Pasha De Cartier

 

Known for its classic and exceptional design, Cartier has taken their well-known Pasha de Cartier watch and reimagined its style with the help of some distinguished creatives to celebrate the forward-thinking timepiece.

Carefully curated, five admired actors and musical artists are appointed as ambassadors to drive the storytelling behind the watch in the most moving way including Academy Award winner Rami Malek, chart-topping singer Troye Sivan, singer, activist and talkshow host Willow Smith, Emmy-nominated actress Maisie Williams and K-pop artist Jackson Wang.

Arnaud Carrez, International Marketing and Communications Director of Cartier International, says, “These new Pasha ambassadors owe their success to their differences, creativity, connection, multidisciplinary talents and generosity.” 

 

The five diverse talents were chosen to illustrate the unique versatility and modernity of the Pasha de Cartier. All individually known for their innovative creativity, and nonconforming paths to success, Cartier says each ambassador illustrates the core essence of the new Pasha de Cartier watch through their respective versatility, complexity and captivating bodies of work. 

Originally created in 1985, and based off a previous model released in 1935, the Pasha watch was designed to make a statement; the bold and graphic details have made it a standout piece since its first launch, harnessing the power of self-expression for all of its wearers.

The model was originally produced by Louis Cartier himself as a bespoke piece for a member of Marrakech royalty and went on to be Cartier’s first waterproof watch. This year, watch-lovers can look forward to new updates in the latest Pasha style such as contemporary design updates and a skeletonized version.

The Pasha de Cartier watch launches in China on 1st July 2020 and worldwide on 4th September  2020.
Available in 35 mm and 41 mm in steel, gold, vibrant diamond-set and skeleton movement versions.

 

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Cartier Women’s Initiative 2021 accepting applications now

Dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards enters the 2021 edition, calling for applications will open on 4th June 2020 and close on 31st July 2020.

For the 2021 edition, Cartier Women’s Initiative introduces the Science & Technology Pioneer Award, in collaboration with Hello Tomorrow. That means three more women entrepreneurs will be selected and awarded for the CWIA, on top of the existing regional awards.

The new thematic category is aimed to empower women entrepreneurs leading scientific and technological innovation.

 

Eight laureates will be selected from the finalists from each region and be awarded US $100,000, while, the second and third runner-ups will receive US$30,000. Cartier is also offering a series of business education programmes for eight laureates and sixteen finalists.

On another note, Cartier has hosted a virtual ceremony to announce the seven laureates of the 2020 edition of Cartier Women’s Initiative, in light of social distancing during the global pandemic.

Now, let us meet the seven laureates selected by an independent international jury committee amongst 1200 applicants from over 162 countries:

 

Adriana Luna Diaz, Mexico 

Tierra de Monte 

Creates agricultural products that renew biodiversity and soil fertility, fortifies and protects crops, and empowers the farmers who use them.

Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, Denmark 

Female Invest 

Promotes financial gender equality by educating women on investing and personal finances.

Chunguang (Charlotte) Wang, China 

Equota Energy (Technology) Shanghai Co Ltd 

An energy optimization company that combines artificial intelligence and big data to deliver energy efficiency solutions.

Joanne Howarth, Australia 

Woolpack Australia – Planet Protector Packaging 

Manufactures environmentally responsible insulated packaging made from sheep waste wool for transport of temperature-sensitive goods.

Nadia Gamal El Din, Egypt 

Rahet Bally 

An all-inclusive platform to support Egyptian mothers financially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually, both online and in person.

 Stephanie Benedetto, USA 

Queen of Raw 

A marketplace to buy and sell unused textiles, keeping them out of landfills and turning pollution into profit.

Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Nigeria 

LifeBank 

A medical distribution company that uses data and technology to discover and deliver essential medical products to hospitals in Nigeria.

Visit www.cartierwomensinitiative.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com

Revenge Shopping becoming a trend as Ultra Rich Spend Millions on High Jewellery Online Auctions

As global trade and international economies come to a stand-still, the coronavirus pandemic is well on its way of creating the greatest recession since The Great Depression but meanwhile, in-home quarantine and social distancing is playing havoc with the ultra-wealthy (who are unfamiliar with constraints on their money and influence) – spending time in “parenting agony” while ensconced in high net worth resorts like Yellowstone Ranch or dropping $9 million on a car while doing a spot of revenge shopping like Ronaldo, Bloomberg has spoken to Sotheby’s and discovered that revenge shopping is indeed becoming a trend as the restless rich spend hundreds of thousands on jewellery and diamonds to cheer themselves up during these depressing times.

“What we’re finding is that anything of good quality is performing well, and actually better than it would have just a couple of months ago.” –  Catharine Becket, Sotheby’s “magnificent jewels” specialist speaking to Bloomberg

Revenge Shopping becoming a trend as Ultra Rich Spend Millions on High Jewellery Online Auctions out of Boredom

Auction season was beginning to look dire as auction houses cancelled their annual affairs as a result of strict social distancing measures in major financial cities like Zurich, Geneva, London and Hong Kong and for a moment there, it looked like jewellery sales for 2020 would come to an abrupt stop just as it has other economic segments. But, Antiquorum’s Geneva auction held via the internet, phone and absentee bids on March 21st, 2020 totalled US$3.34 million, with three of its top five lots belonging to Patek Philippe timepieces, so its certainly not out of the realm of possibility that consumers willing to pay top dollar for Patek Philippe watches online, sight unseen, would also find partners similarly willing to drop six figures on diamond bracelets and necklaces.

A recent Sotheby’s online sales projected to bring in $5.7 million conservatively, ended up beating estimates and bringing in $6.1 million through the four sales held across March and April. Speaking to Bloomberg, Catharine Becket, Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” specialist in New York, gave a reason for the apparent growth in big-ticket luxury purchases: “Clients are sequestering at home and, generally speaking, leading relatively dreary lives. Everyone is waiting for this to be over, and I suppose knowing that a million-dollar piece of jewellery is waiting for you is a fulfilment of when things return to the new normal.”

Indeed, it shouldn’t be surprising as WWD first reported that when Hermes re-opened their flagship in Guangzhou, it led to a revenge shopping spree to a tune of $2.7 million in single-day sales. Psychologically speaking, everyone has status needs for prestige and social approval, often expressed in diverse ways, revenge spending has been merely been one manifestation, some pick up art and hobbies, others get super fit and if you have millions in the bank, you burn a little with some much needed retail therapy.

Becket was initially concerned that she wouldn’t be able to help her client to sell a 1930s high jewellery specimen – Cartier’s Tutti Frutti. A marriage of art and design, the Tutti Frutti is emblematic of heritage swagger and a symbol of old Indian Mughal Maharajah opulence. The name ‘Tutti Frutti’ wasn’t coined until the 1970s, and we don’t see true specimens very often. Town & Country estimates that we see smaller pieces like brooches every three to five years or so but the something on the scale of this magnitude is very rare and highly sought after both as a bit of high jewellery and artwork.

The 1930s-era Cartier bracelet is currently online for auction at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $600,000 to $800,000. Auction ends April 28th. Source: Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s estimates that it’ll bring in between $600,000 and $800,000, but a true benchmark of elite boredom and the lengths they would go for a bit of revenge spending would be a true test of their wallets and high net worth shopping power.

 

New Clash de Cartier channels the clash of attitudes

Last year, Clash de Cartier made its debut in rose gold, yellow gold and coral (a 100% sourced and non-treated Corallium Rubrum), celebrating the dynamic of contrast rooted in Cartier’s aesthetic heritage.

This 2020, Cartier reinvents the Maison’s new signature jewellery with white gold and pop of nature-inspired colours. A refined accent of amazonite is set amongst yellow gold studs, radiating in lagoon blue. Wear it alone to impress a sophisticated look, or wear it in stacks to express the rule-breaker in you.

Staying authentic to its ethos of cultivating contrast, the new Clash de Cartier preserves the same allure of fluidity as its elder siblings. The geometrical silhouette and curves capture the classical codes at Cartier with a contemporary tension; different materials and stones collide at the supreme craftsmanship of Cartier.

Swipe the galery to take a look at the 2020 edition of Clash de Cartier:

 

Visit cartier.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

On Newsstands: WOW Malaysia Spring 2020

Spring 2020 is here and once more, we have another highly anticipated issue of World of Watches Malaysia. Want to find out what we have in store for our valuable readers? Why not pick up a copy of the magazine or, even better, subscribe to receive the magazines at your convenience, especially during the Movement Control Order period? Here is a sneak peek of what’s inside.

Daniel Craig aka James Bond 007 is back with his new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition. Read how the actor was consulted on the creation of the watch made for the most famous of field secret agents even as the launch of the new Bond movie is postponed towards the end of the year. The new watch, with its military specifications and vintage-inspired aesthetics, will remain high on the desirability list, especially with the greater anticipation for the 25th Bond movie which is coincidentally Craig’s last outing as James Bond.

2020 is a leap year and, once again, the date change at the end of February moves into focus with the extra day at the end of the shortest month of the year. In this issue, we discover how fine German watchmaking brand, A. Lange & Söhne, implements the major complication of the Perpetual Calendar in their highly complicate timepieces. In fact, since 2001, the highly respected brand has released no less than eight timepieces that feature this complication and, all but one of them implements the function in the most traditional of ways.

On a more heartwarming note, we feature Patek Philippe’s long-standing relationship with Cortina Watch as they come together to revel over sixty years of warm friendship and business connections. Find out how the two entities cooperated and stayed strong with each other through thick and thin in, our special write-up on Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch.

Of course, even in the absence of Baselworld and Watches & Wonders 2020, we persevere and continue to present the latest horological launches for the year. Rado shares the limelight with the new update on its popular vintage-styled Captain Cook that comes enhanced with 300m water resistance and in a more prominent and larger case of 42mm. Corum presents something lavish for the ladies – the Corum Golden Bridge Round 39, a watch that successfully combines traditional watchmaking values with the fine skills of haute joaillerie. Not to be left behind, Seiko honours Novak Djokovic’s achievements with a new Seiko Astron GPS Solar dedicated to the champion tennis player as its premium brand, Grand Seiko, celebrates 60 years of excellence with a range of 60th anniversary Grand Seiko limited edition watches.

Rest assured, these are just some of the many other fabulous watches that we delve into for this issue. During times of social distancing, many physical watch launches were postponed or cancelled but, definitely, we will not be lacking in any watch related information so stay with us always!

Last but not least, in our issue, we also invite you to take a journey on the L’Odyssée de Cartier even in the times when there are many travel restrictions. Discover how the legendary Maison took inspiration from the depth and the diversity of mankind’s culture and incorporated it into rare creations. Do not forget to follow the adventures on Cartier’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/Cartier

As we all stay strong and healthy in these trying times, please stay tuned into the happenings of the Malaysian watch market and do look out for the Spring 2020 issue of World of Watches at your local newsstands as well as follow us on our Instagram account @WatchWOWMy.

 

Cartier Revolutionizes The Art of High Jewelry Design with ‘Magnitude Collide’

The Théia

Ushering a new phase in the evolution of high jewelry design, Cartier introduces its latest collection entitled Magnitude Collide. Featuring a rare marriage of both precious and ornamental hard stones, this stylistic collection balances expert technique with the brand’s unique flair for creativity with an array of bold, panache materials.

Cartier Revolutionizes The Art of High Jewelry Design with ‘Magnitude Collide’

The Zemia

Steering away from a long history of utilizing fine stones, the Maison explores refreshing looks with new, different and authentic gems, hand-selected by adept industry professionals. Through recognizing the unique beauty of every baroque cut, shape, light effect, shimmering nuances and surprising color, the Cartier jewelry masters aim to convey the distinctive personality and origin story of each piece.

The Yuma

Fascinated by the rich offerings of the mineral world, Cartier’s history of blazing the trail with audacious choices, have since set the stage for unveil of Magnitude Collide. Their incorporation of contrasting material, positions each gem in a dialogue that flits between opacity and transparency, the mineral and the precious, pure colors and shimmering nuances – alluding to ideas of ‘earth and light’.

The Équinoxe

Through an interplay of lines, ruptured rhythms and flowing movements, each design translates into a powerful confrontation, with six treasurable pieces including, the Aphélie, Théia, Équinoxe, Yuma, Soreli and the Zemia.

The Aphélie

Featuring a striking gem of handsome density and mysterious material, the pink gold Aphélie necklace is centered by an eye-catching, needle-woven brown rutilated quartz. With warm colors and transparency effects, the necklaces emanates depth. Unleashing a sun-drenched dazzle with the inclusion of articulated tassels, the piece appears to curve effortlessly whilst remaining spiky. Creating perspective with onyx, the necklace is cheered by touches of coral, pink diamonds, clean lines and a lightweight feel.

The Théia

Structured around a striking ensemble of seven round-shaped Colombian emeralds, matched perfectly with rock crystals motifs to create a rippling reverberation – adding sparkle as the reverse of the rock crystal section is faceted throughout. The Théia is thus, a product of expert geometry and optical illusion as the design borrows code from kinetic art, and incorporates contrasting colors with the skilful use of transparency. Featuring the signature Cartier pairing of green and black, each onyx element functions as a graphic signal, punctuating every emerald, quartz and diamond. Worn as a necklace, a brooch or an a chain, the Théia is one of Cartier’s many transformable pieces.

The Soreli

Traversed with strands of light, the secret Soreli watch gleams with life that sparkles over rows of diamonds across the cuff, and is centred by a cabochon-cut rutilated quartz laden with inclusions. Selected for its intense radiance, honeyed tones and cabochon curve, the translucent stone is flanked by kite-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds – creating a generously sun-drenched, organic material which contrasts with the order of each diamond’s complex graphic motifs. With the press of a tiny release button, the Soreli unlocks to reveal its shielded watch dial.

By Julia Roxan

 

Cartier wants to know: “How far would you go for love?”

How Far Would You Go For Love is a project launched 10 years ago by Cartier to celebrate and explore the everlasting idea of falling in love.

And for its latest edition, Cartier entrusted French director Cédric Klapisch with the task to capture the story of an epic once-in-a-lifetime love.

Through the lens of Cédric Klapisch, we witness the pair’s timeless road trip. Declarations, arguments and reconciliations, the intimacy and emotions are remembered eternally in Cartier creations.

From the iconic Love Bracelet to Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch, swipe the gallery to take a look at the pieces seen in the love montage:

 

 

“Throughout its history, Cartier has always expressed love with intensity, through powerful, bold creations holding great symbolic value. Carrying a strong message, Cartier’s jewellery celebrates each story as the greatest of adventures. Nothing defines this vision of love and passion better than the question ‘How far would you go for love’, which Cartier asks once again, ten years after its creation, with its latest campaign.”

– Arnaud Carrez, International Marketing and Communications Director at Cartier International

 

 

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Cartier opens exhibition at Palace Museum Beijing

Returning to the Meridian Gate Gallery of the Palace Museum inside the Forbidden City in Beijing, China after 10 years, Cartier is hosting another spectacular exhibition to celebrate the bond between Cartier and China.

Partnering with the Palace Museum for this one-of-a-kind showcase, open between 1st June to 31st July 2019, Cartier brings over 850 creations, dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to today and many inspired by China itself,  from its master archive and private collections to tell the story of the bonds of friendships between the two.

The event titled “Beyond Boundaries: Cartier and The Palace Museum Craftsmanship and Restoration Exhibition” also sees the joint partnership of Palace Museum and Cartier to restore six watch and clock movements from the Palace Museum collections, at the Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

For the exhibition, Cartier splits the journey into three parts to propose “a simultaneously chronological and thematic interpretation seen through the prism of savoir-faire, the common theme running through the exhibition.”

Some of the highlight pieces of the exhibition, both timepieces and high jewellery, include the Maison’s early stages of creation, as shown in the 1870s by the very first mention of “Chinese-style” objects in Cartier account registers and also a great number of Chinese-inspired pieces decorated, mainly with dragons and chimaeras, which dates back to the 1920s.

Creating a dialogue between the pieces between the Cartier archive and the ancient collections inside the Palace Museum, the watchmaker transports us back in time to the heydays of fine watchmaking through a layout design done by scenographer Nathalie Crinière.

 

Find out more about Beyond Boundaries: Cartier and The Palace Museum Craftsmanship and Restoration Exhibition at en.dpm.org.cn.

Cartier adds new timepieces to Panthère de Cartier family

The Panthère de Cartier is an ever-evolving idea, capturing modernism with the French luxury house’s classical legacy and this year, Cartier introduces two new timepieces – the manchette watch and the mini watch to the range.

Featuring noble metals, adorned with dazzling diamonds, the new timepieces are endowed with the essence of Panthère de Cartier watch: a celebratory, hedonistic and ultra-feminine spirit.

Panthère de Cartier the manchette watch

Panthère de Cartier the mini watch

The manchette watch captures the flowing, silky bracelet of the Panthère de Cartier watch, besprinkled with jewels, blurring the line between timepiece and jewellery. Whilst the mini watch concentrates on proportion, borrows the exceptional elegance from the original model with a new height of sophistication.

An ever-evolving classic loved by the ladies, the Panthère de Cartier collection is something every woman needs in her arsenal of arm candies. Personally, the manchette is our favourite for that extra wow factor wherever we go(think the Oscars red carpet walk).

Swipe the gallery to check out Panthère de Cartier’s manchette watch and mini watch:

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.