Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Parihoa Farm’s rolling hills and the vast Tasman Sea, Cartier and Partridge Jewellers recently hosted an exclusive evening of luxury, legacy, and craftsmanship. This intimate gathering marked the enduring partnership between these two storied brands and celebrated Cartier’s continued presence in New Zealand, with hints of an Auckland boutique on the horizon.
For over 160 years, both Cartier and Partridge have been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and heritage. Their histories, though separated by continents, share striking similarities. James Timothy Partridge and Louis-François Cartier were two ambitious visionaries, driven by an unwavering commitment to beauty and excellence. Each laid the foundation for a brand that would transcend generations. Their legacies continued through a lineage of skilled jewellers, with key figures — Linnaeus Partridge and Louis Cartier — leading their respective families into new eras of innovation and refinement. It is this shared ethos that has made Cartier and Partridge more than just business partners; they are kindred spirits in the pursuit of timeless elegance.
The evening at Parihoa Farm was a seamless blend of sophistication and exclusivity. Guests were treated to a sunset cocktail hour, with glasses raised against a panoramic view of the Tasman Sea. The true centrepiece, however, was an exhibition of Cartier’s most exquisite creations, which included some incredibly special high-jewellery timepieces. Attendees were given a rare opportunity to admire these works of art up close, each piece embodying the brand’s dedication to savoir-faire and artistic excellence.
But the highlight of the evening was the presence of legendary actor and vintner Sam Neill, a long-standing Friend of the Maison. Neill, known for his acclaimed acting career as well as his passion for winemaking, was the evening’s exclusive sommelier. His Two Paddocks wines, grown in the pristine vineyards of Central Otago, were carefully selected to complement the evening’s menu, reinforcing the parallel between Cartier’s fine watchmaking and the meticulous craft of winemaking.
Neill’s relationship with Cartier began in 2021 at the ‘Love is All’ event in Sydney, where he joined the Maison in celebrating its icons. Since then, he has continued to deepen his ties with the brand, attending exclusive events and becoming the proud owner of a Cartier Santos and a Tank Louis de Cartier in yellow gold. During his speech at Parihoa Farm, Neill mused on the deeper connection between timepieces and wine, drawing a poignant parallel between the two crafts.
“Cartier has been very kind to me over the years,” he shared. “And I have these watches to prove it. But what really interests me is the quality, the authenticity, and the real story behind them. The Santos was the first wristwatch ever made. Louis-Francois Cartier was close friends with the pilot, Alberto Santos-Dumont, who, in 1903, complained that there was no easy way to read the time while flying. That kind of ingenuity, that kind of human craftsmanship, is something I truly admire.”
Much like the art of horology, winemaking is a delicate balance of precision, patience, and expertise. Neill remarked, “There’s something magical about wine and food, just as there’s something magical about a well-made watch. A watch that winds itself and keeps time forever—how do they do that? That’s extraordinary.”
The Cartier Tank, another of Neill’s treasured timepieces, also carries a rich history. Originally designed in 1917 and inspired by the Renault tanks used during World War I, the watch remains one of Cartier’s most enduring designs. “It was created at such an interesting time,” Neill reflected. “The Renault tank wasn’t the most terrifying war machine, but Cartier took inspiration from it and created something rather beautiful. That’s the French way, isn’t it?”
With Cartier’s growing presence in New Zealand, the anticipation of a dedicated Auckland boutique signals a new chapter for the brand. Under the leadership of Frederic Cantyn, Country Manager for Cartier New Zealand, and Thomas Crye, Managing Director for Cartier Oceania, the Maison is set to deepen its relationship with the country’s discerning clientele. The evening also underscored Cartier’s unwavering appreciation for Partridge Jewellers, recognising the family-run business as one of its most treasured partners.
As the night drew to a close, with guests savouring their final sips of Two Paddocks wine and admiring the glistening Cartier creations, one thing was certain: Cartier and Partridge are not merely brands but legacies, built on a foundation of artistry, vision, and an enduring pursuit of excellence. Parihoa Farm served as the perfect setting to honour this shared heritage—where time, much like fine jewellery and wine, is meant to be savoured.
