Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 1988 Case No: 40237 Model Name: Crash "London" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 841 JLC, jeweled Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yelow gold Cartier deployant buckle, stamped "JC", and matching case number 40237. Dimensions: 43mm Length x 25mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of authenticity confirming production of the presented watch in 1988. Provenance: Antiquorum, Tokyo December 15 1989, lot 469. Christies London, Important Clocks, Watches and Marine Chronometers June 10, 1998, lot 288. Sothebys New York December 4, 2012, lot 87, where it was purchased by the present owner.
Provenance
Antiquorum, Tokyo December 15 1989, lot 469. Christies London, Important Clocks, Watches and Marine Chronometers June 10, 1998, lot 288. Sothebys New York December 4, 2012, lot 87, where it was purchased by the present owner.
Catalogue Essay
Often regarded as the “King of Shapes,” Cartier has released many of the most recognizable watch designs amongst all brands, resonating with its rich heritage and iconic design legacy. Arguably the most iconic shape of them all, the Crash, holds significant importance in the pantheon of Cartier wristwatches. Its unconventional design challenges traditional notions of watch aesthetics and showcases Cartier's innovative approach to wristwatch design.
From its original iteration in 1967 to the 21st century re-issues, the Crash embodies the unconventional and swinging decade of the 1960s with an unmistakably unique look, and the genius craftsmanship of the Cartier atelier. Over the years, there has been much speculation about the design, from some believing incorrectly the unusual case was based on Salvador Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” to the rumour it was a Maxi Baignoire Allongée, which melted during a car accident, and returned to Cartier for restoration. The reality is the design was the brainchild of Jean-Jacques Cartier and designer Rupert Emmerson.
The original Crash model was released at Cartier London in 1967 and was made from a modified Maxi Baignoire Allongée. Since then, the brand has released other versions over the decades from a new London Crash from the 1980s, to a limited edition platinum Paris model in the 1990s, as well as a limited edition run of 400 from Paris in 1991 and the currents 21st century iterations.
It is with great pleasure that Phillips offers the watch at the foundation of this incredible trend: the Cartier Crash London.
The present watch is part of a very limited number of examples produced by Cartier London beginning in 1967, featuring London hallmarks on the case back interior, and its original Cartier deployant buckle with similar London hallmarks both further stamped ‘JC’ for Jean-Jacques Cartier. It is also important to note that the buckle and caseback both have the same serial number 40237.
Adding to the incredible collectability of the present watch is the fact that it comes with a 2024 Cartier Certificate of Authenticity confirming the watch was produced in 1988 making it most probably one of the very last examples to leave the London workshops. Considering the fact that Cartier no longer issues such a Certificate, this highlights the clout the consignor has with Cartier. Most importantly, we are able to trace the ownership of this watch as it has appeared on the market three times, once in 1989, another in 1998 and finally in 2012 where it was purchased by the present owner. As such, we have a clear line of ownership of the present watch throughout the past two decades.
The Crash perfectly embodies the unconventional and swinging decade of the 1960s with an unmistakably unique look, which today is one of Cartier’s most iconic and cherished timepieces. Cartier London Crash watches are exceptional for their masculine size, measuring an impressive 43 mm long by 25 mm wide. The vast majority of subsequent Crash watches, particularly those signed Cartier Paris, have smaller cases measuring 38 mm long.
Today, the Cartier Crash has become somewhat of a cultural icon, adorning the wrists of celebrities and artists alike. It represents everything that Cartier is best known for: merging design, form and function together which transforms a timepiece beyond a "watch" and into a piece of art.
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.
