Regarded as one of the most mysterious timepieces, the Cartier Crash became an icon over the years due to its illustrious story and its daring aesthetics. Released in 1967 at the prestigious London New Bond Street Cartier Boutique, the public witnessed what is to be one of the most controversial timepieces of the 20th century. While some say that it was inspired from Salvador Dali’s surrealist painting, “Persistence of Memory”, featuring a melting clock, some would disagree and say that it was in fact inspired by a Cartier Bagnoire that went through a car crash, melted down in fire and ended up with a deformed case shape resembling the Cartier Crash.

During the 1960s, branches of the firm in Paris, New York and London operated individually with Cartier London headed by the great-grandson of the founder, Jean-Jacques Cartier. With a relaxed and an innovative approach to creating works impeccable works of luxury goods to cater towards his demand of his clientele.

Regardless of the story, the Cartier Crash is a superlative timepiece that resonates perfectly with the beauty of aesthetics. With a romanticized story on its founding, the Crash has become a legend on its own, with Cartier Paris eventually producing their own. In 1991, Cartier Paris launched a limited edition series of the Crash encased in yellow gold as a limited edition of 400 pieces. Beautifully preserved, the present example numbered 35 belongs to one of the earliest examples. Complete with its original certificate and its presentation box, the present Paris Crash will certainly gather much interest from collectors as it is not often that these spectacular timepieces surfaces on the market, especially when its preserved in this condition.