Cartier Perfects Imperfection with the Crash
With the Crash Skeleton watch in rose gold, Cartier pushes experimentation with shape to its limits and continues its series of Mechanical Legends, the purest watchmaking expression of Cartier’s emblematic shapes. With the caliber 9618 MC, the case and movement become one so as to adapt to the legendary asymmetrical profile of the Crash watch.
On the one hand is an aesthetic characterized by the extravagance of the Roman numerals. On the other, a fully skeletonized movement that is one of Cartier’s most striking signatures, here merging seamlessly with the curved shapes of the case.
The effect of this spectacular example of watchmaking expertise relies both on its aesthetic and technical prowess and on the idiosyncratic aspect of the Crash watch, which first appeared in 1967 amid the effervescence of Swinging London.
What are its origins? Where did the idea really come from? Legend has it that a client entrusted a watch damaged in an accident to the director of the London branch of Cartier. The latter was so struck by its startling appearance that he integrated its distorted design into his creative framework.
Today a source of inspiration for Cartier Fine Watchmaking, this iconic watch is now available in rose gold as part of a limited series of 67 numbered pieces.
Movement: manufacture mechanical caliber, 9618 MC
Case: 18-karat rose gold
Dimensions: 28.15 x 45.32 mm
Crown: beaded set with a blue sapphire cabochon
Strap: gray alligator skin
Buckle: double adjustable folding clasp in 18-karat rose gold
Crystal: mineral glass
Caseback: sapphire
Case thickness: 9.62mm
Water resistance: 30 meters
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Power reserve: approximately 3 days
Limited series of 67 numbered pieces