Cartier has returned to its most iconic, yet most elusive, design with the Crash London New Bond Street Exclusive. The new launch mirrors the Crash release of 2019 by keeping it exclusive to the New Bond Street boutique in London, only this time the case is in platinum.

Initial thoughts

A new Cartier Crash is always worth taking note of, especially when its design pays close attention to the original of 1967. While the brand has been noted for diligently recreating the looks from its past, none of them come close in terms of excitement among collectors than the Crash. 

Following up the yellow gold version of four years ago with this platinum model was a smart move by the brand, and has put clear thought into how to execute it. Notably, the vintage “London” Crash was never available in platinum so this is not so much a remake as a reinterpretation of history – one but executed very well.

From the form of the case to the layout of the dial and hands, Cartier has done their utmost to respect what Jean-Jacques Cartier and Rupert Emerson had first imagined and besides a perhaps slightly questionable placement of “Swiss made”, they appear to have done a fantastic job. 

Not only has the dial design been slightly modified, but the brand has also updated the movement to use the cal. 1917 MC, perhaps an upgrade in terms of it being in house, though the construction of the cal. 1917 MC is not as sophisticated as the Jaeger-LeCoultre movement it replaces.

Cartier has priced this watch at £43,000, not an insignificant amount of money for a simple, time-only watch, but considering the immense status of this design, and its clear longevity, it feels justifiable. 

Only in London

Born out of London in the Swinging Sixties, the Cartier Crash can easily be described as one of the world’s most iconic watch designs, and possibly the most exclusive. This latest version remains true to its roots, with it only being sold in the London boutique on New Bond Street, the very same building that Jean-Jacques Cartier worked in when the first Crash was sold over 50 years ago. 

While the model that the brand released four years ago was more accurate in terms of its case metal, this version has not taken anything away from the design by using platinum. Given Cartier’s rich history with using the tough precious metal, it feels fitting for this new release and consistency with the current collection can be seen with the ruby cabochon that has been set in the beaded crown. 

Having updated the movement to the cal. 1917 MC is also a nice touch (though technical minded enthusiasts will no doubt prefer the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre of before). The tonneau-shaped, hand-wound cal. 1917 MC can also be found in many recent Tank Louis Cartier and Asymétrique models. With a slim profile of 2.9 mm high allowing it to fit nicely inside the shaped case, although it has a limited power reserve of 38 hours due to its compact size.

While the dial still says “Swiss Made”, the case back has been given a special engraving featuring the New Bond Street boutique’s emblem, signifying the very spot this watch can be exclusively purchased from. While many fans might wish the dial itself to say London, as the originals of the 60s and 70s did, this is still a nice touch and a nod to the watch’s origins.

Key Facts and Price

Diameter: Unavailable
Height: Unavailable
Material: Platinum
Water resistance: 30 m
Crystal: Sapphire

Movement: Cal. 1917 MC
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Calfskin with folding buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: Starting July 2023 at Cartier New Bond Street
Price: GBP43,000 including taxes

For more, visit Cartier.com.