We have a Crash on this watch - Cartier’s 300,000 Euros vintage treasure.

Cartier has proved itself as a proper watchmaker time and time again, mainly thanks to the combination of excellent watchmaking with absolutely breathtaking designs.

 

While their Santos and Pasha are considered class by collectors and non-watch people alike, there are some designs that can be a little more polarizing.

 

The king of those is certainly the Cartier Crash - the most desired timepiece of any vintages watches collector.

 

Photo source: Squarespace

 

So, what is so special about the Crash?

 

Well, once you see it, it’s really not that hard to understand.

 

The unique shape and deformed look actually have a beautiful myth around it. The Crash was supposedly designed after someone brought a Cartier timepiece which was badly damaged from a car accident for repair.

 

Photo source: Revolution Watch

 

Cartier didn’t hesitate a single moment and decided to mimic the destroyed Cartier brought to them and turned it into one of the most iconic watches our community has ever seen.

 

The truth is that the designer and artisan at that time, Rupert Emmerson, was the first to come up with the idea. First, the leadership was hesitant, but eventually, they agreed to make it and the Crash was born.

 

Photo source: Watch Pro

 

As we said, some people loved it, some not so much, but it represented the more avant-garde approach that the watch industry desperately needed.

 

We remind you, that the Crash was first introduced in 1967. Back then, a rectangular case was considered a big rebellion.

 

Photo source: Hairspring

 

In the following years, Cartier made a couple more variants of the Crash, using different precious materials such as yellow gold, white gold, or platinum., with the occasional diamond set model here and there.

 

With time, the Crash started to become more and more popular, but the supply was extremely limited since the original version had only 400 pieces, with each subsequent release ranging in similar numbers. According to Chrono24, Cartier makes only one new Crash each month.

 

Photo source: Amsterdam Vintage Watches

 

The secondary market has gone crazy for this timepiece. A used Crash can cost you anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 Euros depending on condition and age. The most expensive Crash ever sold went for a whopping 1.5 million dollars. Pretty shocking!

 

And what is your opinion on the Crash? Do you love it or hate it? Let us know!