The Cartier Crash: Rare Designs from the Sotheby's Archive
The Cartier Crash remains one of the most highly prized watches among collectors. In this guide we pick out four rare examples that demonstrate its daring design.
C artier has long been synonymous with innovative design and luxurious craftsmanship, and nowhere is this more evident than in the legendary Cartier Crash. First introduced in the 1960s, the Cartier Crash watch became an icon of avant-garde style, capturing the free-spirited energy of its time. Over the years, rare editions of this iconic model have surfaced at auction, attracting collectors with their unique designs and provenance. This article revisits four notable Cartier Crash watches from the Sotheby’s archive, showcasing their distinctive qualities and historical significance.
Cartier Crash Tigree Reference HP101529 Circa 2022, 1,651,000 HKD
The Cartier Crash Tigree Reference HP101529 was sold in October 2023 for 1,651,000 HKD. This rare Cartier watch showcased an entirely different dimension of the maison’s artistic excellence. Inspired by the wild beauty of African wildlife, this limited edition watch was adorned with diamonds and vibrant stripes of champlevé enamel in turquoise, green, and midnight blue. This marked the first time enamel was incorporated into a Cartier Crash watch, setting it apart as a truly unique creation.
Produced in an extremely limited run of just 50 pieces, the above 2022 model was both a visual and technical masterpiece. Measuring 43.5 mm by 24.2 mm, it featured an 18k yellow gold case and buckle, both set with diamonds. Inside, the calibre 1917 MC mechanical movement powered the watch, ensuring precision and reliability. Accompanied by its Cartier Certificate of Origin, International Limited Warranty, and presentation box, the Crash Tigree represented the pinnacle of artistic craftsmanship, embodying the bold spirit of the Cartier brand’s iconic collection.
Cartier Crash Reference WL420047 Circa 2014, 1,079,500 HKD
This Cartier Crash Reference WL420047 was sold in October 2023 for 1,079,500 HKD. This Cartier watch was a stunning example of the brand’s daring approach to design. Introduced in 2014, this limited edition model showcased a bold pink gold case embellished with diamonds along the bezel. Its sleek, disruptive shape mirrored the original 1960s Cartier Crash while offering a modern interpretation of the iconic model. The diamonds framing the watch added a layer of opulence, making it a statement of elegance and craftsmanship.
Numbered 118 out of a limited run of 267 pieces, this Cartier Crash featured a mechanical movement housed within an 18k pink gold bracelet that was secured by a double folding clasp. Measuring 38 mm by 22 mm, it retained the hallmark asymmetrical shape that defines the Cartier Crash collection. Accompanied by its Cartier International Limited Warranty and presentation box, this rare piece exemplified the Cartier’s enduring dedication to luxury and innovation.
Cartier Crash, Limited Edition Circa 1991, 214,200 CHF
This Cartier Crash Limited Edition sold for 214,200 CHF in November 2022. This watch epitomized the spirit of London’s swinging sixties, a period of bold, artistic experimentation. Jean-Jacques Cartier and his team crafted this watch with an asymmetrical, avant-garde design, pushing the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. The 1991 Cartier Paris edition remained faithful to this original vision while swapping the London identifier with Paris, making it a coveted collectible among enthusiasts and historians alike.
In keeping with the unique aesthetic of the 1960s, this yellow gold edition featured a distinctive dial design that celebrated the era’s creative liberation. Its rarity and the historical significance of the model further contributed to its allure. With its strong connection to one of the Cartier brand’s most innovative periods, this limited edition Cartier Crash held a special place in the legacy of the brand and in the world of high-end collecting.
Cartier Crash Limited Edition, Yellow Gold Circa 1991 226,800 USD
This Cartier Crash 1991 Limited Edition model was sold in December 2022 for 226,800 USD. The watch featured an 18k yellow gold case and a silvered dial, complete with the Calibre 160 mechanical movement. With only 400 pieces ever produced, this rare model quickly became a sought-after item in the world of horology.
Numbered 372 out of 400 in the 1991 Cartier Paris release , this particular watch came with its original certificate, instruction manual, and presentation box, adding to its appeal as a complete set. The dial, with its signature distorted fonts, remained a symbol of the Cartier Crash watch’s unconventional charm. Its limited production and its association with the Cartier brand’s boundary-pushing designs ensured that it stood out as an iconic piece in any collection.
The Cartier Crash remains one of the most distinctive and daring designs in the world of horology. These four rare models highlight the incredible diversity within the collection, from the elegant diamond-set designs to the vibrant, enamel-adorned creations. Each edition reflects the Cartier maison’s unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence, making the Cartier Crash watch a timeless icon that continues to captivate collectors around the globe.
Buying and Selling Cartier Watches at Sotheby's
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