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182

Cartier

Ref. WGCH0074

Crash

A special order and previously unknown asymmetric yellow gold wristwatchwith emerald green dial, guarantee and presentation box

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000
€75,400 - 151,000
$85,600 - 171,000
CHF317,500
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
2023
Reference No
WGCH0074
Case No
4127 - 405257CX
Model Name
Crash
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal 8971 MC, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18k yellow gold Cartier deployant buckle
Dimensions
39mm length
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Accessories
Accompanied by Cartier Guarantee dated 21st March 2023, loupe, polishing cloth, product literature, fitted box, and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Hailed as the “King of Shapes,” Cartier has long reigned supreme in the world of horology, crafting some of the most iconic watch designs ever conceived. With a legacy steeped in heritage and innovation, the maison has consistently redefined the boundaries of watchmaking. Among its pantheon of masterpieces, one creation stands above the rest: the audacious, enigmatic, and utterly unforgettable Crash.

First unveiled in 1967, the Cartier Crash shattered conventions with its radical, warped silhouette—a design that seemed to defy time itself. Born in the kinetic energy of the Swinging Sixties, the Crash became a symbol of bold creativity, a watch that dared to challenge the status quo. Today, as shaped watches experience a renaissance, the Crash remains the undisputed leader of this resurgence, celebrated for its daring design and timeless allure.

The present example, a special commission from March 2023, is a true marvel of modern craftsmanship. Its deep emerald green dial, adorned with off-white Roman numerals and yellow gold hands, creates a striking visual harmony with the curvaceous yellow gold case. The olive green sapphire cabochon crown adds a final flourish, elevating the watch’s cohesive elegance. Complete with all original accessories, this extraordinary timepiece is not just a watch—it is a statement, a collector’s dream, and a testament to Cartier’s enduring genius.

A rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history, this Cartier Crash is destined to captivate and endure as a timeless icon.

Cartier

French
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open. 
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