The return of the Cartier Crash!

The Crash is one of Cartier's most iconic and desirable case shapes. Legend has it that a Cartier wristwatch, probably a Maxi Ovale or Bagnoire, was involved in a car crash and sent back for repair. Upon seeing it, Jean-Jacques Cartier, who ran Cartier London, decided to create a wristwatch based on that damaged timepiece. Hence the Crash was born in 1967. At SIHH 2013 Cartier will reissue the Crash, but this time with a matching bracelet.

Though the Crash is now available as a special order on a very limited basis, and was also made as a limited edition several years ago, it has never before been available on a bracelet.

With a case size of 38.45 mm by 25.5 mm, the new Crash will be available in white gold or pink gold with a diamond set bezel (150 diamonds totalling 2.15 carats), and also with the option of a diamond-set bracelet (471 diamonds totalling 4.27 carats).

The fully set versions are limited to 67 pieces in each colour of gold, while the diamond-set bezel versions are limited 267 pieces in each metal.

Inside is a small, manual wind movement, probably from Frederic Piguet (I have to confirm this).

- SJX

This message has been edited by SJX on 2012-12-24 03:31:08

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I'm very happy to see the Crash back!

By: foversta : December 25th, 2012-11:44

One of my fav Ladies' watches! Thanks SJX! Fx

The Crash never left

By: SJX : December 26th, 2012-21:03

It was always available as a special order, but this is the first time in several years that it is available as a limited edition that will be sold openly in stores. - SJX

That design process is quite "me"..I believe it may be true.

By: bernard cheong : December 25th, 2012-16:58

SJX...you KNOW I would come up with serious ideas that would come to pass and be approved with a coincidental madness.

The Dali-esque watch is definitely up your alley

By: SJX : December 26th, 2012-21:04

It matches the sculpture you have! ;-) - SJX

Wonder how it would look

By: mell0822 : December 26th, 2012-23:23

on a guy, minus the blings and on a strap. A very interesting design. Would have been even better if it was inspired by Dali (instead of an accident). Look forward to see your SIHH report about it. Thanks. Melvin

It is too small for men but

By: SJX : December 27th, 2012-02:19

It might work ass a dress watch under a cuff with a dinner jacket. Even then it is too small, and the shape is quite feminine. - SJX

Agree. A proportional larger version

By: mell0822 : December 27th, 2012-03:20

might work, but could make the watch lose its distinctive characteristic & feel. Perhaps something for Cartier to think work out ;p Melvin

I would like to see an oversized, skeletonised Crash with crashed bridges

By: SJX : December 27th, 2012-17:55

Remember you heard that here first. - SJX

Very, very honestly...

By: KIH : January 1st, 2013-17:20

.. I just can't figure out why Cartier made this model.... Designed by Dali? Sorry to say that unfortunately, not for me (or for me to choose for my lady, if any :-)) But, nice pics and the model :-) Best, Ken Happy new year!

Dali, Dali, Dali...

By: patrick_y : January 3rd, 2013-20:44

Nice looking watch. A watch that has classic style that will definitely be timeless in the future. Definitely not to everyone's taste, this is definitely a high profile watch that is definitely for those who have unique personalities, personalities even m...