Pasha de Cartier Grille watch in yellow gold. The grille can be removed, allowing you to wear the timepiece with or without it, for two different looks.
Pasha de Cartier Grille watch in yellow gold. The grille can be removed, allowing you to wear the timepiece with or without it, for two different looks.
Image: Supplied/Cartier

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.

The Pasha de Cartier Grille watch is available in 30mm and 35mm jewellery versions crafted from rose gold and studded with brilliant-cut diamonds.
The Pasha de Cartier Grille watch is available in 30mm and 35mm jewellery versions crafted from rose gold and studded with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Image: Supplied/Cartier

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.

A dark grey face adds to the strong graphic design of these Pasha de Cartier timepieces.
A dark grey face adds to the strong graphic design of these Pasha de Cartier timepieces.
Image: Supplied/Cartier

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.

The Moon Phase Pasha de Cartier in rose gold (left) and the Skeleton Pasha de Cartier in steel.
The Moon Phase Pasha de Cartier in rose gold (left) and the Skeleton Pasha de Cartier in steel.
Image: Supplied/Cartier

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. 

The Flying Tourbillon Pasha de Cartier in rose gold.
The Flying Tourbillon Pasha de Cartier in rose gold.
Image: Supplied/Cartier
A closer look at the gorgeous design details on the face of the Flying Tourbillon Pasha de Cartier.
A closer look at the gorgeous design details on the face of the Flying Tourbillon Pasha de Cartier.
Image: Supplied/Cartier

Each of these spectacular new iterations of the Pasha de Cartier watch comes with a pair  QuickSwitch straps. Depending on the specific timepiece, this may be a set of alligator leather straps in different shades, or a combination of an alligator leather strap and a steel bracelet, which can quickly and easily be interchanged to create different looks.

And, for those who'd like to further change up the look of their Pasha de Cartier, the brand has also released a trio of charms that clip onto the watch's crown cover. Available in a double C, heart or eye design, these petite pedants will add a unique and personal touch to your timepiece.

This article was paid for by Cartier.

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