Cartier Crash

An unusual and very rare limited edition pink gold asymmetric wristwatch with Burgundy numerals, certificate and presentation box, made for the Hong Kong market

Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 1994 Case No: A111'383 and 1994 33 Model Name: Crash Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 160, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 38mm Length x 23mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier International Guarantee Certificate dated 13.11.1994, product literature and presentation box.The Cartier Crash made its appearance in 1967 and it was and still remains today one of the most emblematic asymmetrical watches in horological history. The genesis of its design, however, remains shrouded in mystery. While some attribute its shape to an interpretation of Dali's famous melted watches, others say the designers at Cartier were inspired by a Cartier Baignoire model that witnessed a serious car accident and was returned to the factory for repair. The name of the model suggests that this latest version is the most plausible. The history of this design has been addressed in Francesca Cartier Brickell’s book, “The Cartiers”, where she recounts a conversation with her grandfather Jean-Jacques Cartier, about how the audacity of the design was sketched out with artisan Rupert Emmerson. The present Cartier Crash produced in 1994 is one of the rarest variants as it is part of a 40-piece limited edition. Released for the Hong Kong market and cased in 18K pink gold, the model features an extraordinarily rare dash of burgundy against the warm white dial, each Roman numeral painted with the alluring color, the combination matching perfectly with the red tones of the pink metal. The caseback is engraved with “1994 33”, indicating that the timepiece is the 33rd piece of the limited edition. With a roaring demand for the Cartier Crash in recent times, the present example is surely a rare treat for the discerned collector yearning for this beloved icon.