If You Look Closely You’ll Spot This One Accessory In So Many Iconic Pictures

January 29, 2021 at 03:05PM

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. The Tank is the style with the most history, as it is over 100 years old and has been worn by all the Hollywood greats from Fred Astaire to Kanye West, however the recently relaunched Panthère is also a modern classic. 

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. 

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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 four 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.

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

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Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring summer 2021.

Author Emma Spedding | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC