Cartier Crash watch, for which was believed to have been inspired by Dali’s melting watches or “the camembert of time” appeared for the first time in 1967. Many have asked whether Cartier will ever make these watches with unusual shape again? And, here is the answer. The renowned French jeweler and watchmaker has done it several times, but the most recent and most luxury version which will debut at SIHH 2013, come as four limited edition models of historical Crash timepieces.
Cartier Crash Watch in Pink Gold with Gem-set Braclet
The story of the Cartier Crash is really remarkable. The Crash was originally designed and launched by Cartier London in 1967. Until a few decades ago Cartier was consisted of three independent departments, one in Paris, one in London and one in New York. The vice president of Cartier London, was involved in an accident in which his car caught fire. His watch, an oval Cartier Bagnoire Alongee was melted after exposure to the high temperatures. This inspired Jean-Jacques Cartier, then the head of Cartier London, found the shape of a watch to be original and inspiring, so he decided to reproduce it.
Cartier Crash was revamped in 1991 as a limited edition of 300 exemplars. In 1993, a special platinum version was unveiled at the The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie exhibition in Geneva, and Cartier has later started with production of Crash diamond dress watch for ladies.
The Crash watches, one of the most serious collector’s pieces will now be available in four variants in pink gold and in white gold. In reference to the year of its creation, the model is crafted in 267 exemplars with gold bracelets and 67 pieces with gem-set bracelets. Cartier Crash Limited Edition features 38.45 mm x 25.5 mm in diameter, it has a solid case-back and a vintage mineral-crystal above the dial. Simpler version is graced with 150 brilliant-cut diamonds for approximately 2.15 carats, while the all-diamond version boasts 471 brilliant-cut diamonds for approximately 4.27 carats.
The watches, that are powered by manually wound movement, built on 18 jewels, are also individually numbered and available only in select Cartier boutiques.
Cartier Crash Watch in White Gold with Gold Braclet
Cartier Crash Watch in White Gold with Gem-set Braclet
Cartier Crash Watch in Pink Gold with Gold Braclet
