Cartier

The Cartier Crash, one of the Maison's most iconic timepieces, embraces the abstract concept of time with its distinctive asymmetrical case. The origin of the design has sparked various theories. Some attribute its inspiration to Salvador Dalí's iconic melting clock depicted in the painting "Persistence of Memory," while others believe it originated from a deformed Cartier Baignoire case that had been involved in a car crash. However, the truth behind its creation lies in the collaborative efforts of Jean-Jacques Cartier and the imaginative designer Rupert Emmerson.

In 1991, Cartier Paris unveiled its own rendition of the Crash watch, presented in a limited series cased in yellow gold. The case size was slightly reduced to 38 mm, offering a more refined and contemporary dimension compared to the original London version, which measured 43 mm. Distinguishing this modern iteration, the dial and case-back proudly bear the designation "Paris." Additionally, the series features a deployant buckle designed with the same asymmetrical Crash-inspired aesthetic.