Incredibly Rare London Cartier Crash Watch

The Cartier Crash has always been highly collectible but in the last few years this model has gained a lot of worldwide attention, especially after the public seeing this model on the wrists of many famous people. The first Cartier Crash models were introduced in 1967 for the London Market. There are several myths about its origin including one which claims the Cartier Crash was designed by Salvador Dali or another stating a customer came into the London Cartier salon with a Bangoire model that was in a car crash. However, the model was designed by Rupert Emerson, a creative designer for Cartier and Jean-Jacques Cartier, the son of Jacques Cartier.

There were very few London Crash models produced with the majority of them being produced in the late 1960s, and then a few more were made on special order up to about 1990. Approximately 25 London Crash models were made during that period until Paris took over the production in 1991 and made a limited series of about 400 pieces. The Paris model watch is smaller in size and of course a much larger production run. The London Crash watches were hand-made while the later Paris watches were produced on a production line. I have only seen about 10 London crash models come up for sale since about 1989 so these London models are highly coveted and extremely rare.

Pictured here is probably one of the last original London models ever made from 1990 on special order right before Paris took over the production. The case has London hallmarks and is the same large size as the 1967 predecessor. The dial is also signed London. The watch is equipped with an 18 jewel Jaeger LeCoultre manual wind movement. The watch is in excellent condition and is accompanied by the original Cartier box and Cartier Certificate. Check it out