Pasha de Cartier
The Pasha de Cartier is one of the most notable representatives of the many classic and timeless models that have survived history. Generally speaking, we think of the modern Pasha as having appeared in 1985, but going back in time reveals that the prototype Pasha de Cartier was introduced in 1943 as a water-resistant watch with a protective grille and a very distinctive shape. This year, the grille decoration returns, and Cartier has combined it with the modern Pasha watch to create the Pasha de Cartier Grille.
The new Pasha de Cartier Grille comes in three models, a 41mm model made of yellow gold, a 30mm and a 35mm jeweled model set with multiple diamonds, so no matter what style you prefer you will find a model to your liking. We recently got our hands on the 41mm yellow gold model and the overall design is very bright.
This model is the closest to the original in terms of design style and choice of materials, although it expands the 38 mm case of the vintage watch to 41 mm, in line with modern aesthetics.
Most watches on the market today are equipped with sapphire glass, a synthetic glass that is second only to diamond in hardness and is resistant to wear and scratches, but in the 1940s and 1950s, when watchmaking technology was still immature, Cartier designed grilles to protect the crystal. Watches with grilles are not common nowadays, and at first glance they may seem a little strange, but after a few more glances, they have a different flavor.
The grille of the new model serves more as a decoration and tribute to the prototype and is hardly needed to protect the crystal, so it is freely removable. The Cartier Manufacture has developed a new system of four miniature carabiners supported by precisely proportioned springs, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting. Whether worn with the grille or on its own, it offers a chic style that is uniquely Pasha.
The gold case is complemented by a white dial with a wave pattern, blue hands and four Arabic numerals, and a calendar window at 4 o’clock for added practicality. At the same time, the bezel of the watch has been upgraded. While the water-resistant bezel of the prototype was graduated, the bezel of the new model is no longer graduated and has been hand-polished to give it a more refined look.
The brand has equipped this watch with an alligator strap that features the QuickSwitch strap replacement system, which allows the wearer to replace the strap without tools, making it easy and convenient.
The caseback reveals the 1847 MC Manufacture mechanical self-winding movement, designed, developed and assembled in the Cartier workshops, which is a testament to the brand’s watchmaking expertise.
Other watches
Let’s take a brief look at two other watches with grille decoration, which are more feminine in design, with cases in rose gold and diamonds set on the bezel and grille decoration for a personal touch.
