A grail Cartier Pacha, the one of five perpetual calendar minute repeater in platinum
In the world of pre-owned Cartier watches, the Pasha De Cartier stands out as an emblem of luxury and style. These watches are admired not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their exceptional craftsmanship, which reflects Cartier’s dedication to quality. Known for their intricate designs, the Pasha De Cartier collection is a testament to the brand’s ability to merge elegance with functionality. The unique features, such as the distinctive crown cover and bold dial designs, make these watches instantly recognizable and highly desirable. As one of the most coveted and extravagant collections in the luxury watch market, the Pasha De Cartier is a truly iconic watch in the world of watchmaking.
Exploring the history of this Cartier model reveals numerous stories about its origins. Cartier was already renowned for its creativity in crafting pieces considered extravagant for the early 1900s. Their innovation in watchmaking is evident in iconic models like the Tank, Santos, Panthère, and many others, each blending elegance with functionality.
The Cartier Pasha, with a rich history, dates back to the early 1930s when Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakesh, allegedly commissioned a unique watch from Louis Cartier. This gold watch, designed for the Pasha’s active lifestyle, featured impressive water resistance, a large diameter, a crown cover, and a metal grid to protect the dial. However, this tale remains unverified. The more likely account places the launch of the Pasha De Cartier in 1985, filling a niche in Cartier’s sports and luxury lines.
In the mid-80s, the Pasha underwent a transformative redesign by the renowned watchmaker Gerald Genta, resulting in a truly iconic model for Cartier. Genta’s redesign removed the grid on the dial while retaining some of the original bold and distinctive features, such as the unique screw-down crown cap attached by a small chain and the striking dial with Arabic numerals, which set it apart from other luxury watches. His innovative approach not only preserved the watch’s heritage but also elevated it to new heights, blending contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance. This transformation cemented the Pasha’s status as a cornerstone of Cartier’s watch collection, admired by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Since then, numerous variations and references of the Pasha have been crafted, showcasing distinctions in materials, mechanisms, and dimensions. These iterations include models made from a variety of luxurious materials such as gold, stainless steel, and platinum, each offering a unique aesthetic and feel. The mechanisms have also evolved, featuring complications like chronographs, moon phases, and tourbillons, demonstrating Cartier’s commitment to horological excellence. Additionally, the dimensions of the Pasha watches have been diversified to cater to different preferences, with sizes ranging from sleek and understated to bold. This extensive range of options ensures that there is a Pasha watch to suit every taste and occasion, further solidifying its status as a versatile and iconic collection within Cartier’s portfolio.
Our aim in this discussion is not to analyze every Pasha model and reference produced over the years, but rather to focus on a particularly special piece worthy of an in-depth analysis—one of the most memorable Cartier Pashas ever produced in the model’s history. Among the myriad Pasha variations, only a select few can be deemed “grail” watches, and the current timepiece stands as a notable example.
The Cartier Pasha reference w30012, featured here, stands as an exceedingly rare gem in the realm of luxury neo-vintage timepieces, boasting an unparalleled scarcity with a production limited to just five examples. This exclusivity lends an air of mystique and prestige to the timepiece, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item for aficionados and connoisseurs alike.
Encased in platinum and measuring 38mm, this Pasha distinguishes itself with its minute repeater perpetual calendar moonphase complication with leap year indicator. This perpetual calendar wristwatch operates with an automatic movement and includes a minute repeating function, accessible via a sapphire cabochon button on the left side, emitting a delightful chime when activated.
Particularly noteworthy is the “GG” stamp on the movement, indicating its association with Gerald Genta. With its array of complications, this timepiece offers substantial value.
Its scarcity is underscored by its limited production, ensuring its appearance exclusively at prestigious auctions. The convergence of a platinum case, caliber complication, and an incredibly restricted production quantity contributes to its rarity and exclusivity, rendering it a true Grail for aficionados of Cartier timepieces.
This watch is in impeccable condition, showcasing flawless movement functionality, and maintaining pristine originality in both its case and dial. The cabochon, too, remains untouched, adding to its allure. Undoubtedly, this superb timepiece would be a prized acquisition for any discerning collector of new-vintage watches.
Circa 1990, Diameter 38mm, 1 of 5 made.
Here are a few more pictures showcasing this spectacular and rare timepiece.
