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Lot Essay
Introduced in 1991, Cartier Paris presented its own interpretation of the legendary Crash in a limited edition of just 400 examples in yellow gold. Faithful to the extraordinary proportions of the original 1967 Cartier London model, it reintroduced one of the maison's most unconventional and celebrated creations to a new generation of collectors. The present example was originally received by its owner as a graduation gift, adding a charming and personal dimension to its provenance. It is further distinguished by its unmistakable distorted case, exploding Roman numerals, discreet Cartier signature at 7 o'clock, and, most importantly, its preservation with the original accessories, making it a particularly desirable and complete example of this iconic reference.
The origins of the Crash have long been shrouded in mystery, giving rise to numerous romantic legends. Some attributed its surreal form to a distorted Maxi Baignoire Allongée, others to a Cartier watch supposedly deformed in a motor car accident, while comparisons were frequently drawn with Salvador Dalí's famous melting clocks. The true story was clarified by Francesca Cartier Brickell in her 2019 book 'The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewellery Empire', based on extensive research within the Cartier family archives.
According to these archives, Jean-Jacques Cartier sought to create a wristwatch that captured the creativity and rebellious spirit of London's vibrant cultural scene during the 1960s. Working alongside designer Rupert Emmerson, he deliberately set out to challenge the conventions of traditional watch design, experimenting with radically asymmetrical forms that stood in complete contrast to Cartier's classical aesthetic. The result was the Crash, one of the most instantly recognisable and artistically daring wristwatches ever created. Today, it stands not only as an icon of Cartier design but also as one of the most coveted and influential creations in the history of modern watchmaking.
The origins of the Crash have long been shrouded in mystery, giving rise to numerous romantic legends. Some attributed its surreal form to a distorted Maxi Baignoire Allongée, others to a Cartier watch supposedly deformed in a motor car accident, while comparisons were frequently drawn with Salvador Dalí's famous melting clocks. The true story was clarified by Francesca Cartier Brickell in her 2019 book 'The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewellery Empire', based on extensive research within the Cartier family archives.
According to these archives, Jean-Jacques Cartier sought to create a wristwatch that captured the creativity and rebellious spirit of London's vibrant cultural scene during the 1960s. Working alongside designer Rupert Emmerson, he deliberately set out to challenge the conventions of traditional watch design, experimenting with radically asymmetrical forms that stood in complete contrast to Cartier's classical aesthetic. The result was the Crash, one of the most instantly recognisable and artistically daring wristwatches ever created. Today, it stands not only as an icon of Cartier design but also as one of the most coveted and influential creations in the history of modern watchmaking.