Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Cartier and Richard Mille

Contrary to urban legend, the design inspiration for this eccentric Cartier was not in a fiery inferno, but rather it was a product of the ‘swinging sixties’ where the then independently operated London business embraced the city’s lively and expressive atmosphere. 

The Crash’s history is one of low production numbers and exclusivity. After officially launching In 1967, a small number of examples were made in the early 70s, and since then, it’s periodically re-appeared in limited runs. 

One such release is this skeletonised example, which re-interprets the eccentric shape through a more contemporary lens. This is the only production Crash to diverge from the original design and features an open-worked dial and movement, housed in a slightly larger case but with the original proportions intact. Limited to just 67 pieces, it continues this model’s exclusive positioning within Cartier’s line up. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £85,000

If you’re looking for something from the hottest brand of the moment, but at the more budget friendly end of the spectrum, these Santos Galbée’s from the 2000s are a great value proposition. We’ll spare you the history lesson, but the Santos is the brand’s first wristwatch and is arguably THE Cartier, which says a lot in a brand catalogue full of iconic shapes. 

In 1978, Cartier reimagined the Santos, resulting in the Santos de Cartier design. This innovation was the brand’s contribution to the burgeoning luxury sports watch genre of the time. Alongside AP’s Royal Oak and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, this trend has endured to the modern day and is among the most collectable genres amongst enthusiasts. 

When it comes to two-tone watches, it’s easy to make a case for the Santos. The squared industrial design and exposed screws lend themselves perfectly to a touch of precious metal. When you combine that with the signature Roman numeral hour markers and a grab-and-go quartz movement, this is a great entry-level proposition into the world of Cartier.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £1,736

From a market impact perspective, Richard Mille's design language is beyond reproach. Although aesthetic preferences are subjective, the brand's use of advanced construction techniques and its emphasis on mechanical complexity have garnered a global following.

Recent watch trends may be skewed to more classically styled pieces, but strong sales of Richard Mille on the platform recently illustrates that demand for this avante garde watchmaker remains high.

The RM11-03 CA TPT exemplifies the brand's cutting-edge approach to watchmaking. This model features the calibre RMAC3 which incorporates an annual calendar, and a flyback chronograph. The movement’s baseplate and bridges are made from grade 5 titanium, and winding is managed by RM's distinctive variable-geometry rotor. The RM11-03 is encased in Richard Mille's signature three-part tonneau case, with this specific reference crafted from carbon fibre. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for US$261,000