Cartier

Today, Cartier is an industry giant, retailing some of the most famous and recognizable watch designs in the world. However, when compared to the Cartier of the mid-twentieth century, vast differences can be found. In the past, the brand operated with far more independence, and this is very evident in the designs stemming from the period. Each department operated, for all intents and purposes, of their own accord. Thus, while Paris and New York elevated their stature in the world of luxury, producing the elegant and refined products which are synonymous with modern Cartier, the London workshop stood out.

Helmed by fourth generation family member and visionary genius Jean-Jacques Cartier, the London branch became increasingly bold and experimental. Together with famed designer Rupert Emmerson, Jean-Jacques and his team would go on to push the boundaries of contemporary watch architecture, manufacturing larger and progressively more unconventionally shaped cases. The period generated truly important designs, such as the Oblique (more commonly referred to as the Asymétrique), the Lozenge, and the Pebble. At the time, their products were only really embraced by the Art Deco audience of the ‘Swinging Sixties’, hence only small batches of London creations were made, with secondary market prices staying stable throughout the remainder of the century, all the way into the 2010s. However, as modern tastes shift towards eccentric and shaped watches, Cartier London’s designs have proven to be some of the most sought-after in the brand’s entire history.

The Crash is perhaps Cartier London’s most famous creation. Several tales, all of dubious origin, speculate as to the genesis of the design. Some attribute its inspiration to Salvador Dali's iconic melting clock depicted in the painting "Persistence of Memory," while others believe it originated from a deformed Cartier Baignoire case that had been involved in a car crash. However, the truth behind its creation lies in the collaborative efforts of Jean-Jacques Cartier and the imaginative designer Rupert Emmerson. These mythical stories speak to the enduring mystique behind the design, as well as its cultural relevance today.

Original Crash models were produced in incredibly small quantities, and it is estimated that only a dozen London Crash watches exist today, and by 1964 Cartier London had been sold outside the family. However, this did not mark the end of the model line. Sparingly and rarely – the Crash would be produced in limited quantities in special years only – famously in 1991, 2019, and 2022. The present Cartier Crash is even more special than any of those however, as it was a commissioned piece – marked 1 of 1 produced in 2007 for a top client of the Maison. One can imagine how important you must be to have Cartier produce such a watch in an off-year – and then to have it marked 1 with its year of production for a private client. A faithful recreation of the original London crash, it was crafted at Cartier’s watchmaking workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds Switzerland. The silvered dial with roman numerals features the Cartier “secret signature” in the “VII” numeral and its SWISS MADE designation discreetly located at 6 o’clock unlike the 2018 London reissue where it is featured in the center of the dial. The watch bears both its year of creation (2007) and production number (No 1) to the case back. We are delighted to bring such an iconic and emblematic model from Cartier: the King of Jewelers, and the Jeweler of Kings to our Inaugural Saudi Arabia Sale.