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T he Cartier Crash collection is one of the most unusual and striking designs in watchmaking. This special watch has seen a surge of popularity in recent years, frequently making this one of the most expensive Cartier watch models passing through auction sales.
The watch’s allure is also partly explained by its range of material and design options, including a range of extraordinary diamond-set models. Sotheby's Cartier specialists are expert in evaluating and bringing these rare models to market, evidenced by the range we've sold in the last decade and beyond. Below we review five stand-out examples from the Sotheby's archive.
The Cartier Crash Tigree Reference HP101529 was sold in October 2023 for 1,651,000 HKD. This Cartier Crash watch was a remarkable fusion of elegance and artistic craftsmanship. Inspired by the beauty of African wildlife, this limited edition Cartier Crash was designed with a yellow gold case and dial adorned with diamonds and vivid stripes of champlevé enameling. The vibrant colors of turquoise, green, and midnight blue enhanced the visual appeal in honor of the wild yet graceful essence of the tigress. This design marked a significant milestone for Cartier, as it was the first time the brand incorporated enamel into the Cartier Crash collection.
Produced in a highly limited run of just 50 pieces, this 2022 release quickly became a collector’s treasure. Measuring 43.5 mm by 24.2 mm, the watch featured an 18k yellow gold case and buckle that were both set with diamonds, further enhancing its luxurious presence. Inside, the calibre 1917 MC mechanical movement powered the timepiece and served as a testament to Cartier’s precision and technical mastery. The Crash Tigree was sold with its original Cartier Certificate of Origin, International Limited Warranty, and presentation box, symbolizing its status as a true collector's item.
This Cartier Crash Reference 2463 was sold in October 2023 for 1,079,500 HKD. This Cartier Crash watch stood out as a particularly rare and luxurious model, featuring an 18k pink gold case adorned with pink diamonds. The silvered dial, framed by the asymmetrical case, offered a subtle contrast to the vibrant pink hues of the case and diamonds to craft a delicate yet opulent aesthetic. The craftsmanship required to create this edition was a feat of technical prowess, with Cartier’s watchmakers meticulously painting and constructing the dial to ensure both readability and artistic beauty.
Released in 2001, this Cartier Crash watch was an extraordinary example of the Cartier brand's dedication to both innovation and tradition. Pink diamond watches are exceedingly rare, even more so in auction spaces, making this piece a true collector’s dream. The watch was sold with its original burgundy Cartier alligator strap and presentation box, underpinning its allure as a highly sought-after item among serious collectors.
The Cartier Crash Reference WL420047 was sold in October 2023 for 1,079,500 HKD. This Cartier Crash was a limited edition pink gold and diamond-set bracelet watch that exemplified the Cartier brand's bold approach to design. Introduced in 2014 as part of a numbered series, this piece featured a bold, disruptive design that echoed the spirit of the 1960s when the original Cartier Crash watch was created. The combination of a pink gold case and a bezel set with diamonds offered an elegant yet modern interpretation of the iconic design.
Numbered 118 out of 267, this limited edition Cartier Crash featured a mechanical movement encased within an 18k pink gold bracelet that was secured with a double folding clasp. Measuring 38 mm by 22 mm, it is a more recent and refined version of the original Cartier Crash, yet it retains the iconic shape that makes the model so distinctive. Sold with its Cartier International Limited Warranty and presentation box, this watch embodied the timeless elegance and luxury that have come to define the Cartier Crash.
The above Cartier Crash was sold in October 2022 for 945,000 HKD. As another exceptional example of this iconic Cartier model, this stunning Cartier Crash featured an 18k white gold case and a diamond-set bezel. The hallmark Cartier Crash asymmetrical design was complemented by the silvered dial and pink alligator strap, offering a refined, feminine aesthetic.
The complexity of the hand-made case design made the Cartier Crash one of the most coveted timepieces in the world, with only limited numbers produced each year. This specific example came with five additional Cartier alligator straps and its original instruction manual and presentation box.
The Cartier Crash Reference 2462 was sold in October 2021 for 882,000 HKD. Offered directly from the original owner, this Cartier Crash watch was a white gold and diamond-set piece that encapsulated the Cartier brand’s dedication to excellence in both design and craftsmanship. Released in 2003, this watch showcased the elegance and abstract form that have defined the Cartier Crash collection since its inception. The silvered dial contrasted beautifully with the white gold case and diamond-set bezel, creating a timeless and luxurious look.
This example was sold with its original red Cartier alligator strap and a folding clasp set with diamonds. The watch’s asymmetrical design, combined with the meticulously handcrafted case, ensured its rarity and desirability. Accompanied by its original Cartier Certificate, instruction manual, and presentation box, this piece offered a complete and pristine package for discerning collectors. The complexity of its design and the exclusivity of its release have made it a cherished artifact in the world of haute horlogerie.
The Cartier Crash collection remains one of the most daring and innovative designs in the world of watchmaking. Each of the five examples explored above reflects the Cartier brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of both artistic expression and technical craftsmanship. From the vibrant and enameled Crash Tigree to the refined, diamond-set white gold editions, each watch showcases the brand’s commitment to luxury and creativity. These pieces continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, cementing the Cartier Crash as a true icon in horology.
Sotheby's is on hand to support your next Cartier watch purchase or sale of an existing watch. We have an extensive offering of carefully curated Cartier watches, covering everything from excellent value Cartier watches to extraordinary Cartier Crash pieces.
Trust our worldwide network of leading Cartier specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
