Cartier

An icon of radical design from the swinging sixties, the Cartier Crash is arguably the most celebrated and sought-after wristwatch by Maison Cartier. Forged by the great creator of shaped watches, its mysterious origin has inspired myths and speculation, with some attributing its warped form to a melted Baignoire recovered from a car crash, while others see the influence of Salvador Dalí's surrealist masterpiece, The Persistence of Memory.

Although the story behind the timepiece is both captivating and romantic, its origins are detailed in Francesca Cartier Brickell’s book, The Cartiers. In it, she shares a conversation with her grandfather, Jean-Jacques Cartier, about how the bold design was initially sketched out in collaboration with artisan Rupert Emmerson.

The present example, from 2020 is a contemporary interpretation of the iconic masterpiece. What sets this Crash apart from the rest, is the cabochon ruby set in the crown that was part of a special order request made for the only Cartier's top clients.

Accompanied by all its full suite of accessories and in excellent condition, the present Crash is a unique opportunity to collect one of the most iconic timepieces from the esteemed house.