Cartier’s wildly iconic and famously “crazy” Crash watch has shattered records at Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction, selling for an astonishing $1.99 million and becoming the most expensive Cartier wristwatch ever sold at auction.
The rare Cartier Crash, one of only three examples created in 1987, fetched HK$15.6 million during Sotheby’s Important Watches sale. Its dramatic melted-case design, often linked to either a car accident legend or inspiration from Salvador Dalí’s surreal artwork, has made it one of the most recognizable luxury watches in the world.
The winning bidder was Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO of Valuence Holdings, who proudly announced the historic purchase on Instagram, calling it an honor to become part of the watch’s remarkable legacy.
Originally developed during London’s vibrant 1960s fashion revolution under Jean-Jacques Cartier, the Crash was designed to break traditional watchmaking norms. Crafted in yellow gold with distorted Roman numerals, an asymmetrical dial, and powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement, the model remains a symbol of bold luxury and eccentric sophistication.
This Sotheby’s event also set records for other rare vintage Cartier pieces, including the 1973 Cartier London Baignoire and the 1967 Cartier London Tank Normale. These extraordinary timepieces are part of a prestigious private collection of nearly 300 Cartier watches that Sotheby’s will showcase throughout 2026.
Over the years, the Cartier Crash has become a favorite among elite collectors and celebrities, worn by stars such as Jay-Z, Tyler, The Creator, Tom Brady, and Bad Bunny. Its combination of rarity, artistic rebellion, and status has transformed it into one of the most coveted watches on Earth.
As luxury watch values continue climbing, Cartier’s legendary Crash proves that daring design and exclusivity can command extraordinary prices in today’s collector market.