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Lot Essay
Cartier’s Crash is more than just a watch - it is a wearable work of art. Regarded as one of the most difficult watches to obtain through special order, the chance to commission a custom-made Cartier Crash is a dream for many, but a privilege reserved for a fortunate few.
The present Crash was commissioned as a special order through Cartier’s 'New Special Order' program, which allows clients to personalize elements such as materials and dial colors, albeit within certain boundaries. For this particular timepiece, the client requested a white gold case and buckle, paired with a stunning grey galvanic dial known as ‘Nickelé’ by Cartier. The 'exploding' Roman numerals are rendered in a complementary warm grey tone. The original drawing and specifications (FRA 4031B) for this order are dated May 6, 2021, and indicated a delivery timeline of over 10 months.
Special-order Crash watches are so cherished by their owners that they are rarely - if ever - seen at auction. This ravishingly beautiful and likely unique example, with its refined grey-and-white aesthetic, presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally exclusive and individual expression of Cartier’s undisputed wristwatch masterpiece. Perpetually elusive and imbued with near-mythical status, the Crash remains an instantly recognizable yet highly exclusive design - one of the crown jewels among wristwatches, and an aspirational icon for Cartier collectors worldwide.
The present Crash was commissioned as a special order through Cartier’s 'New Special Order' program, which allows clients to personalize elements such as materials and dial colors, albeit within certain boundaries. For this particular timepiece, the client requested a white gold case and buckle, paired with a stunning grey galvanic dial known as ‘Nickelé’ by Cartier. The 'exploding' Roman numerals are rendered in a complementary warm grey tone. The original drawing and specifications (FRA 4031B) for this order are dated May 6, 2021, and indicated a delivery timeline of over 10 months.
Special-order Crash watches are so cherished by their owners that they are rarely - if ever - seen at auction. This ravishingly beautiful and likely unique example, with its refined grey-and-white aesthetic, presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally exclusive and individual expression of Cartier’s undisputed wristwatch masterpiece. Perpetually elusive and imbued with near-mythical status, the Crash remains an instantly recognizable yet highly exclusive design - one of the crown jewels among wristwatches, and an aspirational icon for Cartier collectors worldwide.