The collector

Future’s so bright

If 2021 were a watch, it might just be the new Pasha de Cartier. The latest iteration of the timepiece that was born out of World War II-era archives and officially launched in 1985 appears made to meet our own uncertain era – gleaming and full of promise. The pièce de résistance: the Serti Vibrant (right), a limited-edition finejewellery stunner studded with more than 900 diamonds. The Pasha also comes in more conventional materials but if there’s one thing we’ve learnt, now is the time to dream big.

The strap

While we question ever wanting to leave this diamond-smattered white-gold bracelet at home, some of the more adaptable models in the Pasha de Cartier collection sport straps in steel, gold and leather that are all interchangeable thanks to an invisible single-push mechanism.

The crown

Set with a diamond, sapphire or spinel cabochon, Cartier’s chained crown is one of the watch’s standout design features. And in the ultimate luxury move, the Pasha can be customised, with your engraved initials hidden under the crown cover.

The dial

If you’re not busy counting brilliantcut diamonds on the Serti Vibrant then the bold Arabic numerals on the less attention-seeking Pasha styles will help to tell the hour. A square motif within a circle reinforces the graphic nature of the oversized dial, surrounded by a generous 35- or 41-millimetre statement-making case.

The movement

Set behind a sapphire crystal case back, the in-house automatic calibre offers resistance to both magnetism and water.

The price

Pasha De Cartier Serti Vibrant, 35 millimetres, $280,000. The starting point of the Pasha collection is $8600.