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The Story of the Cartier Crash: A Surreal Timepiece
The Cartier Crash story is as elusive as the piece itself, read on to enrich your knowledge on the origins and cultural significance of the Cartier Crash watch.
T he Cartier Crash watch is an undeniable icon in horology, known for its avant-garde design and mysterious history. Unlike the more ubiquitous Cartier Tank, the Cartier Crash watch is a rare and elusive creation that has captured the imaginations of collectors and celebrities alike. With its distorted, surreal appearance and a backstory cloaked in myth, the Cartier Crash stands as one of the most coveted luxury watches. Both vintage and modern editions have reached extraordinary prices at auction, making it a significant piece for collectors and investors.
Origins and Myths of the Cartier Crash
The Cartier Crash story begins with its introduction in 1967 at Cartier’s London branch, during the height of the Swinging Sixties when experimental and bold designs were flourishing. Various myths surround its creation, including one tale suggesting that the design was inspired by a Cartier Baignoire Allongée watch that was damaged in a car accident. According to this legend, the melted appearance of the watch influenced its warped design. However, while this story persists in popular lore due to its impressive and incidental nature, it remains a myth.
A more plausible explanation linked the design to the surrealist art movement, particularly the works of Salvador Dalí, known for his iconic painting The Persistence of Memory, which features melting clocks. This connection led some to refer to it as the Cartier Crash Dali watch. However, Francesca Cartier Brickell, in her book The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewellery Empire, debunks this association, stating that the watch was the result of an intentional collaboration between Jean-Jacques Cartier and Rupert Emmerson. Their goal was to create a daring, avant-garde timepiece that deviated from Cartier's traditional designs while maintaining the brand's elegance. The process of shaping the case, hand-painting the dial, and aligning the movement with the irregular case made the Cartier Crash story one of bringing a technically challenging project to life.
The Daring Cartier London Branch
What distinguishes the Cartier Crash is its origin at the Cartier London branch, which was known for pushing boundaries during the 1960s and 1970s. Under the leadership of Jean-Jacques Cartier, the London branch introduced some of the Cartier maison's most radical designs, with the Cartier Crash being its standout creation. This period was marked by London’s countercultural, non-conformist atmosphere, which inspired designers to explore more abstract shapes.
Unlike traditional designs that focused on symmetry and sleek lines, the Cartier Crash watch’s distorted, melted shape was a complete departure. This reflected the rebellious spirit of the time and the desire to break away from convention. The watch remains a symbol of this era’s creativity, making it not just a timepiece but a work of art.
The Cartier Crash, Pop Culture and Collecting
Since its introduction, the Cartier Crash has become one of the most desirable pieces in luxury watch collecting. Early models are extremely rare with only a few known examples, particularly those from the initial 1967 production. These vintage pieces, often larger than other Cartier models of the time, featured Jaeger-LeCoultre movements and were crafted in 18k yellow gold. Today, collectors looking to acquire an original Crash can expect to pay exorbitant prices. For example, a 1967 Cartier Crash sold for $1.65 million at a 2022 Loupe auction.
The modern reintroduction of the Cartier Crash reignited its desirability as a symbol of creative excellence and luxury. Skeletonized editions and other limited releases of the Cartier Crash produced at the rate of about one watch per month have added to its allure. These scarce modern versions continue to attract collectors, including high-profile celebrities like Tyler the Creator and LeBron James. These iconic figures have been spotted wearing the Cartier Crash, successfully elevating its status in popular culture.
Auction Success and Investment Value
The Cartier Crash is not just a collector’s item; it has proven to be a valuable investment over the years. The skyrocketing prices at auction have solidified its status as one of the most desirable watches in the world. The 2022 auction that saw a 1967 Crash sell for 1.65 million USD is just one example of how these watches have appreciated in value over time. Vintage models, particularly those produced in the 1980s and 1990s, after production shifted from London to Paris, have fetched prices ranging from 100,000 to 700,000 USD depending on condition and rarity.
Modern editions have also performed impressively at auction. For example, a pink gold Crash Skeleton from 2019 sold for 750,000 HK, reflecting the continued demand for this extraordinary timepiece. Other rare variations, such as a platinum Cartier Crash from 1992, achieved 258,300 CHF at auction. At Sotheby’s, a London Cartier Crash from 1989 sold for 705,600 CHF. With prices consistently doubling or even tripling over time, the Cartier Crash has established itself as a strong asset for collectors and investors.
The Cartier Crash transcends traditional watchmaking and remains a symbol of defiance, creativity, and artistic rebellion. From its surreal design and mythological backstory to its extraordinary auction performances, the Cartier Crash captivates the hearts of both collectors and investors. Whether it’s a rare vintage model from the 1960s or a modern reissue, the Cartier Crash remains a radical icon and a testament to the creative brilliance of the Cartier London branch. The Cartier Crash story denies the tale of a tragic beginning or surrealist inspiration, instead happily boasting the expertise and freedom of its creatives to design pieces that lay within the very pulse of culture.
Collectors recognize the Crash as one of the most unique and compelling watches in the Cartier maison’s history, with its investment value continually on the rise. For those seeking an avant-garde masterpiece, the Cartier Crash is a dream acquisition that embodies the perfect blend of artistry and horology.
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