Cartier - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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.

  • Artist Biography

    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. 

    View More Works

Σ96

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

1994
38mm Length x 23mm Width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€103,000-206,000
$100,000-200,000

Sold for CHF214,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022