Extremely rare and iconic wristwatch, in perfect condition, sold with original papers 1997, full serviced 12/2025
Cartier Crash in yellow gold with a leather strap and an original Cartier-signed folding clasp.
The winding crown is embellished with a diamond cabochon, and the bezel is adorned with three rows of original diamonds.
Cream-colored dial with painted Roman numerals and blued steel hands.
Mechanical movement.
Dimensions: 23 x 38 mm
In late 1967, Cartier introduced its iconic "Crash" model in its flagship store on Bond Street in London. A popular anecdote tells of the vice president of Cartier London surviving a car crash and a fire, during which his Cartier "Baignoire Allongée" watch melted under the intense heat, taking on a distorted shape reminiscent of the surreal clocks in Salvador Dalí's 1931 painting, "The Persistence of Memory." Some have jokingly suggested that placing a Baignoire Allongée near a fire might produce the same effect. However, Cartier's granddaughter, Francesca Cartier Brickell, offers a more practical (but far less emotional) explanation: the design arose from Cartier's idea of pinching the edges of the oval case, thus transforming it into something entirely new.
Whatever its true inspiration, the Crash watch, with its unmistakable look, quickly became a symbol of innovation and style. Sold exclusively in Cartier boutiques, only about twenty original examples exist, each with a dial signed "Cartier / London." This watch has become one of the most iconic timepieces produced by the legendary maison, symbolizing the vibrant spirit of 1960s London.
In 1991, Cartier launched a limited re-edition of 400 pieces, featuring a smaller yellow gold case. The modern version of the watch features the "Paris" inscription at six o'clock, replacing the "London" one, and incorporates Cartier's secret signature in the number VII, where "Cartier" is delicately engraved in capital letters. The caseback also bears the "Paris" engraving. The folding clasp, designed for this edition, reflects the watch's distinctive, distorted aesthetic. These watches were sold exclusively at the Cartier boutique in London, with waiting lists extending for several years. To date, this is the largest production run of the Cartier Crash model ever. The model we present dates back to 1992 and is one of the first Cartier Crash watches in yellow gold, hand-set with diamonds.
