Cartier

The genesis of the design of the Crash by Cartier is a mystery, but the two theories most often told are that it was inspired by Salvador Dali’s melting clock from the “Persistence of Memory”, or alternatively, from the case of a Cartier Baignoire deformed in a car crash. Whatever the true story, the Crash become one of the most desirable and enigmatic timepieces produced by the brand on its launch at London’s Cartier Boutique located on Bond Street in 1967. In 1991, Cartier Paris released its own version of the Crash, this time in a limited run of 400 pieces and a case size of 38mm, slightly smaller than the original London watch measuring 43mm. In addition to these two series, a handful of Crash watches have been produced, either in small batches (London 1986) or in this instance, at the request of a specific collector.

In 2006, a US-based collector entered the Paris Cartier Boutique and placed an order for a Crash. The watch he was delivered in 2007 having been made in Cartier’s Swiss watchmaking factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds. 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 2020 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 as well as all the correct hall marks. The watch is presented in exceptional condition and is accompanied by its original box, on its original strap and is accompanied by its distinctive 18k gold misshapen ‘Crash’ inspired folding clasp.