991Σ︎
Cartier
Ref. 30026
Pasha Perpetual Calendar
A fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases and leap year indication
Full-Cataloguing
- Designed by Gérald Genta
- True to the original Pasha in 38mm yellow gold case
- Excellent overall condition with service papers
Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Pasha is named for the Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui (1912-1956) who in the 1930s requested a water-resistant wristwatch from Louis Cartier that was elegant enough for formal wear, but suitable for swimming. While the original timepiece is believed to be a gold Tank Étanche, his name has forever been connected to Cartier.
The original Pasha was 38mm in diameter with a square-in-circle dial design, oversized Arabic numerals, Vendôme lugs, and screw-down crown cap with chain. The model achieved cult status in the 1990s and was offered in numerous configurations, from grill-covered time-only models to perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and minute repeaters.
Powered by an automatic movement, the present Pasha Perpetual Calendar features a 38mm yellow gold case, much like the original. Genta's designs are currently going through a resurgence and the present piece is full of nostalgia, representing the designer's ingenious ideas of the 1990s - a period of time where manufactures dreamed of particularly unusual and whimsical timepieces. So attractive is the Pasha that Cartier re-issued this design in their 2020 lineup, providing a fresh and modern update to the iconic model.
Cartier
FrenchWith 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.