Cartier Crash Watches

Bidsquare watches online auction presents the Cartier Crash Watch - a watch that defies convention and celebrates audacious design. This iconic timepiece has a rich history and allure that continues to captivate watch enthusiasts across the globe.

The Birth of the Cartier Crash Watch :
The Cartier Crash emerged during the Swinging Sixties in London, a period characterized by boundless artistic creativity and profound social change. As the city buzzed with rebellion, fashion, and music, Cartier London found itself at the epicenter of this cultural revolution. Here’s how the Crash came to be:

• Jean-Jacques Cartier: The visionary Jean-Jacques Cartier, son of Jacques Cartier, took charge of Cartier London. His clients included the British royal family, and he embraced the era’s adventurous spirit. Jean-Jacques Cartier was not content with conforming to tradition; he sought to create something extraordinary.
• Flamboyant Fashion: The 1960s witnessed bold fashion choices, challenging the status quo. Young people rebelled against the norms of the previous decade, embracing individuality and self-expression. Jean-Jacques Cartier seized this opportunity to design a wristwatch that would stand out even among the avant-garde.

The Quirky Design:
Inspiration: Legend has it that the Crash was inspired by a client’s melted Cartier Baignoire Allongée watch after a traffic accident. While this story remains unverified, the Crash’s shape echoes the distorted silhouette of the melted watch.
Independent Production: Cartier London began producing the Crash in the late 1960s. Only a handful of the original London models surfaced over the years, with a select few appearing in white gold.

Paris Takes the Stage:
In 1991, Cartier Paris introduced its own version of the Crash, featuring dials inscribed with “Paris.” Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, this limited run of 400 pieces became highly sought-after by collectors and aficionados alike. The Cartier Crash had transcended its London origins and found a new home in the heart of fashion and elegance—Paris.

Special Highlights
Among the various iterations of the Crash, a few stand out:

Skeletonized Crash: In 2014, Cartier presented skeletonized versions of the Crash. These exquisite timepieces, available in polished rose gold and platinum, pay homage to the year of the Crash’s creation—1967. The intricate openwork design reveals the inner workings of the watch, showcasing the delicate balance between form and function.

The Cartier Crash remains an enigma—a fusion of rebellion, creativity, and horological confidence. Its distorted shape challenges conventions, inviting wearers to embrace individuality and celebrate the unexpected. Explore this hallmark piece at Bidsquare's live auctions and bid on a slice of watchmaking history.

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