Cartier - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2014
    Reference No: 3740
    Movement No: No. 120
    Case No: 52/67
    Model Name: Crash
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, 9618MC, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 28mm Wide by 45mm Length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Origin, additional Certificate, red leather presentation box, wallet, polish cloth, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Cartier Crash is 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.

    The 2014 Cartier Crash re-issue features the DNA of the original model, however the Cartier workshop skeletonised the crash with open bridges featuring Roman numerals that allow a peek into the movement, giving the wristwatch an aesthetic that enlivens it. The blued steel sword hands are easily read on the dial. The sculpted platinum case is expertly designed with a modern dimension of 28mm by 45mm, and the crown is capped with the Cartier hallmark cabochon sapphire. The watch was limited to only 67 examples.

    The present example, number 52, is fresh-to-the-market, consigned by the original owner. It is presented in overall outstanding condition and is accompanied by its Cartier guarantee and presentation box.

    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. The famed Crash watch, with its amazing, dream-like curved form, is Cartier’s most radical watch design surrounded by mythical stories on the origins of its fabled, asymmetric shape, and this 21st century example is a wonderful and extremely rare version for the connoisseur.

  • 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 of the Original Owner

Σ117

Ref. 3740
An extremely rare and sublime limited edition platinum skeletonized asymmetric wristwatch with certificate and presentation box

Circa 2014
28mm Wide by 45mm Length
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$90,000 - 180,000 
CHF81,000-162,000
€83,200-166,000
HK$704,000-1,410,000
S$121,000-242,000

Sold for $279,400

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023