Inside Cartier’s Wild New Animal Jewelry Watch Collection

Almost since its inception, the venerable house of Cartier has treated the animal world with the respect and dignity it deserves—not to mention fully embracing the mystery and desires inherent in the finest wild creatures. Even in its timepieces, ever since the first Panther’s spotted coat graced a watch case in 1914, the brand deftly brings nature to life. This year is no exception.

While Cartier has many intriguing new timepiece collections to offer the world this year, beginning at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, it is this high-jeweled, high-art series that is capturing hearts and eyes.

Looking for a more abstract way to envision the animals, Cartier also releases series of Animal Jewelry watches that reflect the animal’s coat via a round case meticulously set with gemstones surrounding a marquis-shaped dial. Versions include a case with stripes created using tsavorites, diamonds and black lacquer, one with black spinel and diamonds and one in rose gold with rubies, diamonds and black lacquer. Are they zebras? Are they a combination of zebra and crocodile or tiger? The way the case is created on multiple layers and levels leaves the onlooker wondering, especially when viewed from the side.

Being jewelers since 1847, Cartier has a singular positioning and a unique relationship with style. The Maison addresses watchmaking through the eyes of a jeweler and with the hands of an expert in precision watchmaking. There is no compromise on the technical mastery of its timepieces, and no limits on its creative expression.

In short, the new collection of Animal Jewelry Watches – all housing quartz movements — is at once mesmerizing and mysterious, inviting but with a feint hint of trepidation. It is precisely this allure that Cartier’s master designers and artisans strive to achieve. In every design, in every shape, there should be an element of surprise. This is a collection not to be missed.