Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 2001 Case No: 2462119350AF Model Name: Crash Material: 18K white gold and diamonds Calibre: Manual, cal. 8970MC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant buckle Dimensions: 38mm length x 22mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Origin stamped October 29th, 2001, additional silvered dial, instruction manual, product literature, document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
With the recent resurgence in demand for uniquely shaped watches, Cartier timepieces have become more sought-after than ever, with the Cartier Crash leading the way. Debuting in 1967, the Crash is considered one of the most groundbreaking designs in the watchmaking world, with a backstory that is both intriguing and romantic. Its origins were clarified in 2019 by Francesca Cartier Brickell in her book, The Cartiers, where she details a conversation with her grandfather, Jean-Jacques Cartier, about the design’s inception. At the time Jean-Jacques Cartier was the head of Cartier London, and along with Rupert Emmerson, they modified a Maxi Baignoire Alongée to make it look as if the watch had been in a crash.
Fitted with an extremely attractive burgundy red lacquer dial with white Roman numerals, the watch was originally sold with a silver dial, included with this lot. Purchased by the consignor at auction, he was not satisfied with the aging found on the silver dial. He requested the current, custom replacement burgundy red dial from Cartier Japan, and due to his importance and high profile, his request was granted in an exceptional manner. Unfortunately no documentation was kept of this replacement, however the visual effect, quality, and rarity of the red dial is unmistakeably Cartier.
Accompanied by its full set of accessories as well as its original silver dial, this beautifully preserved Crash features more than just the iconic model’s sinuous curves. Framed in a white gold case that is further embellished with diamonds as well as a diamond cabochon, the watch creates a perfect, tasteful harmony between the brilliance of the case and the timelessly designed dials.
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.
An extremely rare and exceptional white gold and diamond-set asymmetrical wristwatch with additional burgundy red lacquer dial, Certificate of Origin, and presentation box
2001 38mm length x 22mm width Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
