Cartier Pasha Ref. 1023 - Yellow Gold - Lapis Lazuli
The watch
This mesmerising Cartier creation is one of pure blue beauty. With its combination of yellow gold, diamonds and the heavenly deep blue of its dial, this Pasha de Cartier simply goes above and beyond.
The blue of the dial, that blue of an infinite and all-consuming starlit night sky, is fashioned from the semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli. A mix of deep blue lazurite, golden pyrite and white calcite amongst other minerals, it is considered to be a highly spiritual stone, able to foster the connection between the physical and celestial planes. There is an undeniable feeling of something quite profound in its presence.
The dial follows the signature style of the Pasha de Cartier with its square within a circle, beautifully brought to life by the difference in the pieces of stone used. Deep blue lazurite is used for the central square, the heart of the watch, which is signed and framed in gold. Across the rest of the dial, we see a key feature of lapis lazuli - its pyrite flecks, its golden stars - sparkle.
Applied, yellow gold hour markers are located just at the 12, 3, 6 and 9, part of the Pasha design code, whilst at 4:30 a round date aperture is located and magnified by a small cyclops on the sapphire crystal. Polished yellow gold sword hour and minute hands, together with a gold seconds hand, complete the precious dial.
Measuring 38mm in diameter, the 18-carat yellow gold case sports a revolving bezel and closed caseback. A product of Louis Cartier's genius, Art Deco style 'Vendôme' lugs serve in their unique way to attach the bracelet.
Whilst this watch is an object of pure, ornate beauty, the signature traits of the Pasha de Cartier - strength and power - are not at all lost. The most treasured jewel of all, diamond, is reserved for the features of the watch that accentuate these attributes. The removable grill is encrusted with diamonds and crystals, while the defiant oversized crown cap is adorned with a rebellious reverse-set diamond.
This watch is a force of nature, a force of extraordinary Cartier.
Movement
Powered by the automatic Cartier Caliber 20, the watch has a power reserve of 38 hours and vibrates at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour.
How it wears
Graced with truly divine panache, this incredible dress watch is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It is the most elegant statement of strength. With or without its bedazzling grill, it has enthralling presence on the wrist, it is a watch that will add blissful shine to any outfit and when worn with grill, may potentially and quite magnificently, outshine any outfit. An absolutely exquisite piece to wear.
The set & condition
An out-of-this-world Cartier timepiece that is in mint condition and comes with its original box and papers. This Pasha was also recently serviced in May 2022 by Cartier, service papers are included. A watch of dreams, descended from the heavens above.
Origin
An eternal mystery, the true origin of the Pasha de Cartier may remain forever secret. Yet when considering the two protagonists of its story - the Pasha of Marrakesh and Gérald Genta - one aspect strikes as crystal clear, Cartier's Pasha is a watch of pure power.
On the one hand, a gentleman who held the most influential governing role in Morocco for over 40 years (1912-1956), superseded the powers of the Sultan and amassed one of the greatest fortunes in the world. On the other hand, one of the finest watch designers to have ever lived, a gentleman whose inspired designs dramatically changed the course of watchmaking history forever. Two truly formidable leading men.
The Pasha's role in the story of the watch is where the mystery and the magic lie. Legend has it that in the early 1930s, Louis Cartier's long-term client commissioned his favoured French jewellers with the creation of a rather particular watch. A watch that would combine both the elegance required for duties of state, together with the possibility for the watch to remain on the Pasha's wrist during his daily swim - a waterproof masterpiece, no less. Whilst the Pasha de Cartier is certainly a masterpiece, the question of whether its modern-day form bears any resemblance to the watch created for the Pasha remains enchantingly unanswered, beautifully suspended in the mist of horological history.
Mr Genta's role in the story is somewhat more concrete. Following on from his revolutionary designs in the seventies including the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Cartier knew who to call upon when the big, bold trends of the eighties hit, and the desire emerged for the creation of something with more of a sporty, masculine edge for the Cartier repertoire. Gérald Genta's Pasha de Cartier launched in 1985 with great success, as Pierre Rainero, Image, Style and Heritage Director of Cartier, has remarked "it was immediately worn by an entire generation of opinion leaders".
Whatever the true origin of this bold Cartier timepiece may be, one thing is for certain, the strong yet elegant design that has remained decidedly consistent and present since its launch in 1985, is without a doubt worthy of the highly distinguished title - Pasha de Cartier.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium
No stock kept on site
* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *
| Reference | 1023 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Caliber | Cartier Caliber 20 |
| Dial | Lapis Lazuli |
| Size (Case) | 38mm |
| Material (Case) | Yellow gold |
| Bracelet | Custom made Grained Midnight Blue |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Mint |
| Year | 1990's (Sold in 2003) |
| Papers | Yes |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |