CARTIER, "CRASH" LONDON, 18K GOLD ASYMMETRIC WRISTWATCHImportant information about this lot
Price Realised USD 225,000
Estimate
USD 70,000 - USD 90,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
The innovative design of the Cartier Crash was first introduced in late 1967, available only in yellow gold and sold exclusively at the Cartier Boutique London. Its curved case has become one of the brand's most memorable and iconic examples with variant produced over the decades which followed up until the present day.
How the company came to be inspried by such an avant garde case design is a mystery. Some claim the influence was spured by Salvador Dali’s "Persistence of Memory," others believe its form comes from a melted Maxi Baignoire Allongée. It has also been rumoured that one of Cartier's founders was in a car crash in the late 1960's and the result was a mishaped watch which served as influence to the "Crash" we know today. Whatever the inspiration, the manifestation is an undoubtedly striking timepiece which lends itself to the innovative and iconic desgins Cartier is most known for.
Very much sought-after by collectors today, to find this model in its current condition is of extreme rarity. The case is seemingly in unpolished condition, its back with crisp markings; stamped "1990" with London hallmarks, as well as the makers mark "JC" for Jacques Cartier. Crisp 18k gold hallamrks are also seen on the left case side. Furthermore, this watch is offered with its original Cartier presentation box and Cartier certificate, dating to Febraury, 1991.
ψ Please note the endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, the watch will be supplied to the buyer without the inclusion of a strap.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing, however a service may be beneficial in the future to be well preserved. The dial is original. The signatures on the dial for "Cartier" and "London" are intact. Overall the dial is in good conditon, a few very small marks, normal wear due to age. The case is in good overall condition. The case is seemingly unpolished with very crisp hallmarks to the back and case side. The numering on the caseback is also very crisp. A few very small anf light marks to the caseback. Light surface wear to the case sides. Wih an associated gold pin buckle.
ψ Please note the endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, the watch will be supplied to the buyer without the inclusion of a strap.
1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor. 2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES and CONDITIONS OF SALE in our catalogue. We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.