Many believe that Cartier first created the Pasha timepiece is 1933 for the Pasha of Marrakesh. As much as I would like to believe this, there is no solid evidence to back this story. So we’ll just go along with the one where it says that the Cartier Pasha was created in 1985 to fill a gap in its line of timepieces. This gap essentially belonged to the luxury sports watch genre. In other words, Cartier wanted to compete with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and The Patek Philippe Nautilus.
Up Close And Personal – The Pasha de Cartier
Since its launch back in 1985, there have been countless renditions of the Pasha timepiece. The collection was discontinued roughly ten years ago. However, in late April 2020, Cartier proudly announced that it would relaunch the Pasha de Cartier. The new models resemble the original 1985 edition in many ways. Yet in some ways, it is poles apart.
Different Sizes, Same Design
The new watches will be available in sizes 41 mm and 35 mm. The 41 mm variant will consist of a date display while the 35 mm model will be a time-only reference. The watches will be made available in stainless steel as well as gold. The 41 mm reference will be available in yellow gold while the 35 mm reference will be available in pink gold. A fascinating choice of metals, I must say.
The Crown Cover
A very unique feature in the 2020 edition of the Cartier Pasha is its case. A closer look will allow you to fully understand what I am talking about. Whilst the case is circular in shape, the dial offers a contrasting feature as it displays a square-ish chapter ring. However, the show stopper has to be the screw-in crown cover that is basically an adaptation of the original 1985 model. A tiny chain link attaches the crown cover to the watch case. If you were to un-screw the crown cover, you would see a little space below the crown that can be used to engrave letters. A nice touch to a classy timepiece.
The Strap
Cartier made sure to offer a QuickSwitch system that would allow users to easily switch between the strap or bracelet of their own choice. The metallic bracelet will also have the Cartier signature SmartLink system that would allow users to adjust their bracelets without any hassle. The watches will be available in both straps and metallic bracelets. However, the 41 mm yellow gold references will only be available with a strap and so will the 35 mm pink gold models.
The Novelties
Along with the standard stainless steel, yellow gold, and pink gold models, Cartier will also be introducing Novelties for its high horology patrons. These Pasha timepieces are simply exceptional and just magnificent.
The Pasha de Cartier Novelties include various references, however, I will be mentioning the ones that have been confirmed. First one in the line-up is the 41 mm 18-carat white gold tourbillon skeleton with the bezel, buckle, and the movement set with 179 brilliant-cut diamonds. The crown also has a 0.36 carat brilliant-cut diamond on it.
Is It Better Than Its Predecessor?
Truth be told, the new Pasha models are very much like the old ones. However, the difference lies in what lies inside of them. The 1847 MC movement is truly a mechanical marvel from Cartier. It offers a power reserve of about 40 hours and runs at a decent 28,800 vibrations per hour. For those who do not know, the 1847 MC comes in both manual as well as automatic configurations. Furthermore, the movement uses a kind of nickel-phosphorus alloy that allows for better performance. Moreover, the watch utilizes a paramagnetic alloy that provides greater anti-magnetic properties. So, yes. One could say that these new models are better than their predecessors.
Honest Opinion
We need to understand that the Cartier Pasha is a watch that is not everyone’s cup of tea. At the end of the day, it falls in the same category as the Royal Oak, the Nautilus, and basically any high-end Rolex watch. It is all about individual tastes and preferences. Some might like it, some might even love it, and of course, some might not.
On a personal note, I find the new Pasha de Cartier an absolutely stunning timepiece. The watch holds its own ground at a time where all luxury watches are more or less the same. The Pasha offers a unique and distinct perspective into the world of high horology.
When you compare the Pasha with the existing watches in the Cartier catalogue, you notice that it is completely different from the usual Cartier timepiece. That is something that fundamentally separates the Pasha from the rest, and it is probably what will make it a success among today’s watch enthusiasts.
Yes