The strikingly shaped watch, known for its asymmetrical “melted” design, was crafted in 1987 and is believed to be one of only three pieces made that year. Vintage Cartier watches, especially those produced by Cartier’s once-independent London workshop, are in high demand among collectors for their rarity and unconventional styling.

The sale took place as part of Sotheby’s “Important Watches” auction, which featured a historically large collection of over 300 rare Cartier pieces. Alongside the Crash, other vintage models such as the Cartier London Baignoire and Tank Normale also achieved record prices, underlining the strong appetite for Cartier’s historic designs in today’s market.

Auction house representatives noted that the enthusiastic bidding reflects a broader shift in collector interests toward creative, shaped watches; and that Cartier has emerged as one of the standout performers in high-end watch auctions in 2026.