Cartier Crash 2774

Ref. 2774An extremely rare and highly attractive limited edition white gold and diamond-set asymmetric wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 9 of a limited edition of 50 pieces, made for the re-opening of Cartier 13 Rue de la Paix boutique

Condition Report Sign Up or LoginThe legendary address 13 Rue de la Paix evokes the very origins of Cartier and holds an important and unique place in Cartier’s history. Part of the three historical trinity boutiques: 5th Avenue Mansion in New York, New Bond Street in London, the 13 Rue de la Paix situated near Place Vendôme was the go-to-place for luxury goods in Paris during the 19th century. According to the tales revealed in “The Cartiers: The Untold Story” by Francesca Cartier Brickell, Alfred and Louis-Francois Cartier decided to give the family business a Parisian base to reflect the exceptional destiny the family would build for. Originally an address of the Hotel Westminster at number 11-13, it was auctioned off in 1899 where the Cartier family bought two shops at number 13 and later on expanded into the wide-fronted store a decade later in 1912. A birthplace of much of Cartier’s aesthetic and creative style, the Paris Flagship captures the beauty and significance of the brand’s most emblematic creations, such as The Cartier Crash. An icon of the swinging sixties crafted by the great maker of shaped watches, the Cartier Crash remains, not just one of the most radical designs born in 1967 but one of the greatest throughout the decades. While the tale of the timepiece is compelling and romantic, the origin was addressed by Francesca Cartier Brickell, 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 Cartier Crash certainly puts the brand on the map as the most celebrated and sought-after Cartier wristwatch ever made. In 1991, the Crash was re-released by Cartier Paris in a smaller case sized at 38.5mm in length. In the same year, to celebrate the re-opening of the flagship store 13 Rue de la Paix, Cartier released a yellow gold Crash made in a limited edition of 13 pieces. Belonging to a limited edition timepiece to mark yet another re-opening of the ever evolving boutique, the present white gold example bearing the same smaller case features not only a pavé diamond-set case, but a dial that is extra special. Featuring the iconic Roman numerals on the dial, the number XIII “13” replaced the one o’clock hour marker to commemorate the event. Signed “Made in France” underneath 5 o’clock, the caseback of the timepiece is further engraved with the boutique logo. Numbered 9 of a limited edition of 50 pieces, the engravings and double frame eagle head French hallmark can be seen clearly stamped in crisp condition. Gorgeously preserved, the present example with a voluptuous case and sinuous contour is the first of such example to be offered by PHILLIPS. With only one other example ever sold in the auction market, the present Cartier Crash is of incredible rarity and is further accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box.