Cartier

Form watches are one of Cartier's strengths. The Cartier Tank for instance is probably the most legendary rectangular watch in the world, rivalled only by the Reverso. Below is an extract from a presentation on the discontinued Collection Privee Cartier Paris. It shows four CPCP iconic case shapes, the Tortue, Tonneau, Tank and Rotonde. The Santos, arguably the most iconic Cartier aside from the Tank, is absent.

 

These are just a sampling of the best known Cartier shapes, some of the less known and more exotic ones are the bell-shaped Cloche and even the Crash. The latter is famous but extremely rare. Several of these were reissued as limited editions under the CPCP label.

The most exotic shaped cases though, are easily confused with ladies' watches, even if they were intended for men. For instance the Crash is a favourite of mine but it looks like a ladies' watch and Cartier generally offers it as such but the watch was a Maxi Ovale pre-crash, which was a men's sized timepiece back in the day. 

Above: Cartier Cloche, image courtesy Christie's 

Now the Fine Watchmaking collection boasts several of the iconic shapes, amongst others the Tortue, Tank and Santos. But these are the more traditional shapes.

 

Each case shape is also particularly suited to certain complications, in my opinion. The Santos would do great as a chronograph, thanks to its sporty look and heritage. I will also always associate the Tortue with the monopusher chronograph; that is a classic. The Tank on the other hand I see as a formal dress watch and less suited to complications.

So the question is, what case shapes should make a comeback in the Fine Watchmaking range? Or should Cartier work on new styles, as it has done with the Ballon Bleu and Calibre de Cartier? Perhaps a Crash jumping hours? 

- SJX

This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-12-02 18:36:43

....this post and its review of Cartier's cases is a welcome topic. thanks for the overview...

J

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A Crash jumping hours would certainly be interesting.  I like that case shape best from afar because the dials are not super legible on certain variants, but a jump hour version might be welcome from that standpoint.  I like the unusual case shapes that Cartier offers.  Many of them are so voluptuous and sensual.  They are a welcome addition to the horological landscape.

Cheers,
Daos

in white gold set with diamonds. Unfortunately the image is on my iPhone, I am travelling and I didn't carry the cable with me. Will post the photo soon.

- SJX

The current crop of Cartier Crash watches brought into Singapore by enthusiastic fans seem to portent a revival. The Crash is making a comeback as a few Singapore PuristS or watch collectors have ordered variations of metal (pink vs white gold) and gemstones (white vs pink diamonds) to be delivered in 2011.

The next Cartier PuristS Get-Together should be fun!

 

Regards,

MTF

Does the crash come in 2 sizes?

What are the exact sizes of each?

Thanks

Roni

My memory is a bit fuzzy but I believe they came in two sizes, with mechanical or quartz movements. I will find exact specs for you.

- SJX

The Crash is a very small watch, it always has been.
The diamond version had IMHO the same dimensions (38.5x25mm) as the plain version.
When one thinks about these dimensions, one could think that it is a pretty large watch,
but due to the shape, it's really small. I love small watches, but I found it too small for my wrist.
I cannot imagine that Cartier makes an even smaller version.
It's a complicated case and even more complicated curved glass to make.
Since I have never seen a quartz version, I have no idea about these dimensions
and I would not be surprised when they are identical.
Hope you find out all about it SJX, information about the Crash is hard to find,
since it's not a catalogue model.
GEO

Hi Roni,

The modern Crash reintroduced in 1991 came in only one size 40 x 23 mm. It is only available with a manual wind movement, but the Crash Libre watch is a quartz watch.

- SJX

Thanks so much for taking the time to find out.

I'm disappointed although I must confess that I did suspect it only came in one size (39mm or 40mm).I'm not sure why it looks so small when worn as 40 mm is quite big as far as vintages go...it must be because of the shape?

There I was planning on a Platinum/ black dial one......

Roni

I am still finding out.

As for a black dial Crash, it will be difficult to get Cartier to approve that, speaking from experience. But if you succeed you must let me know.

- SJX

Thanks for the share SJX!

Have a wondeful weekend in Singapore!

Stephen