Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 2022 Reference No: WGCH0037 Case No: 4131 - 513827BX Model Name: Crash Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 8971 MC, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Cartier Crash folding clasp Dimensions: 42.3mm Length Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier fitted box, International Warranty Card, Certificate of Origin, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The present white gold Cartier Crash is mysterious, elusive. and special in more ways than one. It is made of white gold which is a metal reserved for special pieces but mainly it comes with a superb salmon dial giving the watch extra appeal and collectability.
Most would agree that the Cartier Crash is the most iconic wristwatch manufactured by the firm, due to its unique asymmetrical case design immediately connecting dots with Salvador Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” as well as the form of a melted Maxi Baignoire Allongée. With that said, regardless of the story behind the watch, the Crash is arguably one of the most fascinating wristwatches manufactured in the 20th century. With a case that immediately draw one’s attention, the fluid facets and soft curves interpreted is without a doubt refreshing. Initially introduced by Cartier London in 1967, the Crash has enjoyed various iterations since its launch with gem-set models and skeletonized versions. However in 2019, Cartier introduced the ref. 4127 featuring and inspired by much of the same aesthetics as the very first example from the late 1960’s.
The present example in white gold and salmon dial is making its auction debut, according to our research this is the 3rd known example.
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.