If is regarded as the master of watch design, the Crash is Cartier’s masterwork. One of the most collectible watches on the planet, it exudes an aura of mystery and legend unlike any other.

Since the introduction of the Crash in 1967, the elusive watch has enjoyed a special place in Cartier’s catalog as an object both extremely rare and highly coveted. Until just a few years ago, its true story was unknown. Dozens of legends emerged explaining the origins of this almost mythical design: Some claimed that it was inspired by the paintings of Salvador Dali, a brilliant Spanish surrealist artist known for his eclectic paintings of melting timepieces with distorted, asymmetrical case shapes. Others suggested that the Crash was actually influenced by a destroyed Cartier Maxi Oval, tragically devastated by a fatal car fire.

Unfortunately for the more imaginative among us, the truth is quite a bit less exciting.

The granddaughter of Jean-Jacques Cartier, Francesca Cartier Breckell, revealed that Jean-Jacques and famous designer Rupert Emerson wanted to modernize a Cartier design to suit the emerging psychedelic era of fashion and culture. The result was the Cartier Crash, a modified Maxi Oval. With its asymmetrical, whimsical case design, flowing lines, and elegant incongruity, it has since become a cultural fascination.

The mystery of the Crash certainly added a zero or two to the price tag, but at the end of the day, with soaring demand, Cartier had only made a few hundred total pieces — indeed, the Crash was always designed to be a rare gem for the distinguished few. A number of celebrities have owned one, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Timothée Chalamet, and Elton John.

This example is one of a 400-piece limited edition release dating back to 1991. Produced in Paris in a slightly scaled-down yellow gold case size of 22.5mm x 38.5mm, it features the icon's signature, stylized Roman numerals and a blued steel handset set against a Paris-signed white dial. Affixed to a brown leather strap with a signed, yellow gold deployant clasp, it — like most traditional Cartier pieces — is set with a blue sapphire cabochon crown.

The majority of Crash watches have remained in family estates, so while 400 were made in this series, only a tiny number have ever come to market and were reserved for the maison's most important clientele.

The ultimate collector’s Cartier, a Crash will make you the envy of every Cartier aficionado in the world. These watches never stick around long — so if you want one, speak now or forever hold your peace!