Introduction
Much like a lot of Cartier’s catalog, the Cartier Pasha has a long and storied history. According to legend, the Pasha was supposedly conceived by Louis Cartier for The Pasha of Marrakesh, Thami El Glaoui, in the early 1930s. As the story goes, The Pasha ordered a one-of-a-kind gold watch that could keep pace with his active lifestyle and boasted a level of water resistance that was uncommon at the time. Cartier’s answer was the Pasha; a large timepiece with a screw-down crown cover and metal grid that protected its dial. During the Quartz Crisis, Cartier reached out to Gerald Genta in 1985, of Royal Oak and Nautilus fame, to design a precious metal luxury sports watch that could capitalize on the growing market for such watches, like the gold Submariner at the time. Genta’s design was the Cartier Pasha as we know it today. It is a sizeable masculine timepiece with a sporty bezel, a unique screw-down crown cover, a clean dial, and its now-iconic Vendome lugs. During the 1950s, watch brands began to take special orders from organizations such as government bodies, companies, and the like for co-signed watches that bore the emblem of that particular organization. These watches would then be used by the organization as gifts for their staff or people outside of the organization as a gesture of goodwill. With a rich history in watchmaking, this tradition has continued to this day, and watches bearing the emblem of an organization have become sought-after collector’s pieces due to their rarity and ties to the organization. This Pasha features the UAE Armed Forces emblem at 9 o’clock on its dial in full color and was gifted by UAE officials to a foreign dignitary.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
35.5mm
Model
Pasha
Movement
Automatic Cartier cal. 052
Reference
2475
Bracelet
Stainless steel
Year
2003
Condition
Near Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, papers and booklets
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Featuring a crisp white dial with blued steel hands and Cartier's signature railroad-style minute track, the Pasha's dial is rather unique with its large Arabic numerals and divided sections marking the other hours. On top of that, its UAE Armed Forces seal adds a spectacular burst of color.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Breaking from Cartier's typically classical proportions, the Pasha is a modern watch with a unique design that is very much 'Cartier' in its own way, with its Vendome lugs drawing comparisons to the Must de Cartier Ronde Vermeil.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near mint condition showing very light signs of use. The bracelet has 12 links total, 4 of which are removable.
Our Perspective
A wonderfully attractive watch that pulls on the heartstrings of Cartier collectors, the Pasha breaks from aesthetic norms and celebrates Cartier's willingness to do new things. Furthermore, with its UAE Armed Forces seal, this is a particularly special piece.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
