Gérald Genta

This watercolour painting by Gérald Genta shows an unpublished prototype for the evolution of the Pasha de Cartier, a model created by the great Genevan designer for the world-renowned French jeweller.

While officially introduced in 1985 with Genta's design, the origins of the model are traced back even further. Supposedly, the roots of the Pasha de Cartier go back to a timepiece ordered by the Pasha of Marrakech in the early 1930s, who wanted a watch that is water resistant and could keep up with an active lifestyle. As there is no proof that such a watch was ever produced or delivered, it is only the name of the model which truly links the two. However, there exists documentation from the early 1940s which depicts a Cartier watch bearing the desired features and looking similar to the modern Pasha de Cartier, hence, it is possible that Gérald Genta was inspired by this 1940s piece when designing the Cartier de Pasha that we know today.

Typical characteristics of the design include the sapphire cabochon crown guard with chain as well as the Vendôme lugs, though only the latter are visible on this very early drawing of a model with moon phases.