TIME WARP

‘Crash London’ limited edition, by Cartier

Dark fables abound about the origin of Cartier’s ‘Crash’ watch. one goes that, in the late 1960s, a client had entered the brand’s London boutique and presented a watch that had been mangled in a car crash, with a view to having it restored. another is that a Cartier London employee had been involved in a car accident so severe that his gold watch had begun to melt. whatever the truth, Cartier’s ‘Crash’ design radiates all the creative spirit of the time and place that spawned it. imagined in 1967 by the Cartier London design studio, in the heat of London’s psychedelic art scene, this horological curio is revived periodically for special occasions. its latest iteration – a glittering celebration of the reopening of Cartier’s listed new Bond street boutique, revamped by the paris-based architect Bruno Moinard – continues to emanate a unique character way ahead of its time. Available exclusively at Cartier London, 175-177 New Bond Street, W1S, cartier.com

‘Crash London’ manual-wind watch in 18ct white gold and brilliant-cut diamonds, limited edition of 15 pieces, £69,500, by Cartier. silk scarf, £200, by anselm reyle & Lrrh, from house of Voltaire