The Crash Watch: Surrealism in the Age of Cartier

Much less known than the models Santos, Tank And Panthère, the Crash watch of Cartier is yet one of the most daring and iconic models in luxury watchmaking, going against the grain of classic watches with straight, symmetrical lines. Launched in 1967 by the London branch of Cartier, It is distinguished by an asymmetrical case with distorted contours, immediately inspiring surprise and fascination.  

© Cartier

The inspiration for the Crash watch: a design born from an “accident” or a myth? 

The genesis of the Crash remains surrounded by mystery and legend. According to the most widely told version, the idea came froma watch Cartier damaged in a car accident, then deformed by the heat of a fire. This broken watch, or "crashed", would have inspired the design of the case, giving birth to a watch with melting lines, reminiscent of a surrealist work.

However, this story, while appealing, may be more myth than fact. In reality, it is the innovative and rebellious spirit of Cartier London under the direction of Jean-Jacques Cartier, in the midst of the cultural effervescence of the 60s, which gave rise to this avant-garde creation. The design is also clearly inspired by surrealist art, notably Salvador Dalí's soft watches, thus combining watchmaking and artistic creativity. 

The Crash watch stands out with its organic aesthetic, evoking time melting, deforming and freeing itself from the usual rigid constraints. Far from being just an instrument for measuring time, the Crash becomes a sculpture in its own right, calling upon exceptional craftsmanship: the first editions, in particular, were finished by hand with a mechanical caliber Jaeger-LeCoultre, combining traditional craftsmanship and visual invention. 

The notable variations and reissues of the Crash through the decades 

Since its first appearance, the Crash has undergone several reissues, each bringing its own specific touch while respecting the DNA of the original model.

• In 1991, Cartier Paris launches a first limited series of 400 pieces branded "Paris", with more precise and modern finishes.
  
  
• In the 2010s, the Crash returned in precious versions in white gold, rose gold, paved with diamonds and even skeleton editions revealing the sophisticated mechanical movement. These variations are the subject of very limited editions, often in small series, reinforcing the rarity and prestige of the watch.
  
  
• The historic shop Cartier London has even reserved an exclusivity on distribution from 2019, with a very selective production policy: one watch per month. 

The rarity of the editions and its legendary history make it a piece of choice for collectors, with record sales sometimes reaching several hundred thousand, even millions of euros, at auction. The Crash thus remains a living testimony to the creative audacity of Cartier, crossing fashions and time with a rebellious and unalterable charm. 

The popularity and influence of the Crash watch Cartier

The Crash continues to fascinate collectors and celebrities alike. Worn by renowned artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet and Megan Thee Stallion, it symbolizes bold elegance and an anti-conformist spirit. 

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