Pasha de Cartier: this iconic timepiece has been reinvented for a new generation

In 1985 an icon was born: the Pasha de Cartier watch.

With a design inspired by a vintage Cartier piece dating back to 1943, it was named in honour of one of the premium jeweller's most loyal customers, Pasha El Glaoui of Marrakesh, an avid collector of timepieces.

This watch's strong graphic signature — it features a grid over the dial emblazoned with four oversized Arabic numerals — has made it instantly recognisable as a covetable classic.

Now Cartier has reinvented this cult favourite for a new generation, releasing a selection of timepieces for him and her, each of which pay tribute to the original Pasha de Cartier watch's spirit of eccentricity and exclusivity. 

This is particularly true of the new Pasha de Cartier Grille watch which, like the 1980s original, features a distinctive grid as the centrepiece of its design. There's one key difference, however: for the first time this grid is easily removable, allowing you to wear the timepiece with or without it, for two different looks.

The Pasha de Cartier Grille watch is available in a yellow gold 41mm version, as well as in rose gold 30mm and 35mm jewellery versions, where the bezel and grid are studded with brilliant-cut diamonds.

While all the new variations of the Pasha de Cartier watch include some iteration of the original's distinctive Arabic numerals, some feature other striking design differences when it comes to the dial.

For instance, there's a steel 41mm version and steel 41mm chronograph where the face is anthracite rather than the traditional white. This pop of colour adds a bold quality to these timepieces' good looks.

Then there's the Moon Phase, Skeleton and Flying Tourbillon complications of the Pasha de Cartier, where the superior skill and craftsmanship of the brand's watchmakers has been artfully showcased in their designs.

The Skeleton Pasha de Cartier's automatic 9624 MC movement plays a starring role in its aesthetic. Available in steel or a limited-edition white gold variation set with baguette-cut diamonds, this 41mm timepiece's translucent face allows you to fully appreciate the intricacies of the 172 parts — including 28 rubies — that make up its movement.

Similarly, the wonders of the 41mm rose gold Flying Tourbillon's manual 9552 MC movement can be glimpsed through a circular cut out decorated with the brand's emblematic “C”.

As the name suggests, the 41mm Moon Phase Pasha de Cartier features a circular moon phase indicator surrounded by a midnight-blue planisphere strewn with stars. Boasting an automatic 1904-LU MC movement, it's available in steel and rose gold.