CartierPanthère 22mm Watch

Q: What is the size of this Panthère and how does it wear on the wrist?
A: This model has a 22 mm square case and the classic fluid Panthère link bracelet. It wears petite and elegant, similar to Cartier’s “small” Panthère (around 22–23 mm wide), and suits everyday wear without feeling bulky. On this piece, the bracelet currently fits a wrist up to about 17 cm; links can be removed for a smaller fit.

Q: Is the movement quartz or mechanical?
A: The 22 mm Panthère is typically quartz, prized for accuracy and convenience with no winding required. Cartier’s current small Panthère models are quartz as well, aligning with the heritage of this design.

Q: Is it water-resistant? Can I wash hands or swim with it?
A: Panthère small models are rated to 3 bar (about 30 metres) when factory-sealed, suitable for day-to-day splashes. Because this is a vintage watch and water resistance diminishes over time, we recommend avoiding showering, swimming, or submersion. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in before any contact with water.

Q: How is the bracelet sized and can it be adjusted?
A: The Panthère bracelet uses small removable links to fine‑tune the fit. A Cartier boutique or experienced watchmaker can size it safely. As listed, it fits wrists up to 17 cm; if your wrist is larger, you may need additional period‑correct links, which can sometimes be sourced separately.

Q: Does this watch come with a box, papers, or accessories?
A: Everything included is always listed under Accessories. For this piece, it is sold without accessories. If you need confirmation or photos of what’s included, please contact us.

Q: How often does the battery need replacing and what service is recommended?
A: Cartier recommends a battery service roughly every 2–3 years, which includes replacing the battery and seals and resealing the case to help restore water resistance. Actual battery life varies with use; a functional check every few years is good practice.

Q: Is 22 mm considered a women’s size?
A: The 22 mm Panthère is traditionally considered a women’s or “small” size, but the design is unisex by today’s style standards. If you prefer a daintier look, this size is ideal; those seeking more wrist presence might prefer the medium size.

Q: What is the blue stone on the crown?
A: The crown features Cartier’s signature blue cabochon, a hallmark of the brand’s design language. The exact material varies by reference and period; our example displays the classic blue cabochon as shown in the photos.

Q: What is the Panthère’s history?
A: The Panthère debuted in the 1980s, became an icon of that era for its supple, jewellery‑like bracelet and square case, was paused in the early 2000s, and was relaunched in 2017 with faithful styling updates.

Q: How do you authenticate this watch?
A: Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes a rigorous, multi‑point inspection by our in‑house experts, including checks of materials, movement, engravings, serials, and period‑correct construction. We stand behind the authenticity of each piece and can share additional images or details on request.