Crash
The melted Tank: a 1967 London Cartier creation whose distorted case became one of the most-collected shapes in 20th-century design. Re-issued in micro-runs across decades; the 2022 London Crash (CRWHPI0008, platinum, cal. 1917 MC hand-wind) is the family’s contemporary reference.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Crash is one of the most distinctive case designs in watchmaking -- a deliberately warped London-origin piece from 1967 with an origin story involving a melted car accident watch. Modern re-editions in steel and precious metal are collector pieces. This is an art object first and a watch second.
- 1Open
Crash London 2022 -- limited re-edition of the original London Crash with full collector pedigree.
- The case for it:
- Produced in limited numbers, directly referencing the London original. The Crash is irreplaceable as a design statement -- no other watch looks like it and no brand could produce this except Cartier. Steel versions in particular carry strong secondary market demand.
- Consider instead if:
- The Crash is genuinely difficult to wear well -- the asymmetric case requires confidence and the right wardrobe. This is a collector piece or a special-occasion watch, not a daily wearer. The price reflects the limited production and design significance.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.