Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: 2463
    Case No: 120’146
    Model Name: Crash
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1978-2, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38mm length x 23mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Cartier is known for countless emblematic pieces, from their famed Flamingo brooch, to their classic Panthère collection, and their legendary line of elegant “Tank” wristwatches, produced since 1917. Perhaps most iconic and mysterious is the “Crash” - one of the most recognised and cherished horological gems on the market today.

    From its original iteration in 1967 to the 21st century re-issues, the watch embodies the unconventional and swinging decade of the 1960s with an unmistakably unique look, and the genius craftsmanship of the Cartier atelier. Over the years, there has been much speculation about the design, from some believing incorrectly the unusual case was based on Salvador Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” to the rumour it was a Maxi Baignoire Alongée, which melted during a car accident, and returned to Cartier for restoration. The reality is the design was the brainchild of Jean-Jacque Cartier and designer Rupert Emmerson. The original Crash model was released at Cartier London in 1967 and was made from a modified Maxi Baignoire Alongée. Since then, the brand has released other versions over the decades from a new London Crash from the 1980s, to a limited edition platinum Paris model in the 1990s, as well as a limited edition run of 400 from Paris in 1991.

    Today, the Cartier Crash has become somewhat of a cultural icon, adorning the wrists of celebrities and artists alike. It represents everything that Cartier is best known for: merging design, form and function together which transforms a timepiece beyond a "watch" and into a piece of art. The present 21st century example in pink gold, with its amazing, dream-like curved form, is preserved in outstanding condition from the original owner with barely any signs of wear – a chance for the connoisseur to acquire Cartier’s most radical watch design in such condition is an extremely rare opportunity not to be missed.

  • Artist Biography

    Cartier

    French

    With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.

    Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open. 

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Property from the Original Owner

Σ1040

Ref. 2463
A rare, impressive, unusual and well-preserved pink gold asymmetric wristwatch, with presentation box

Circa 2003
38mm length x 23mm width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$550,000 - 1,000,000 
€65,800-120,000
$70,500-128,000

Sold for HK$1,460,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024