Cartier's Pasha collection is an enduring symbol of modern elegance since its creation in the 1980s. For 2023, the maison has unveiled a new skeletonized iteration that bares the mechanical essence of the Pasha with an openworked dial and manufacture movement.
Remaining loyal to the Pasha's signature rectangular shape with refined curved lines, the new Pasha Skeleton offers enthralling transparency through its skeletonized bridges in the shape of the iconic Roman numerals XII and VI. The openworking creates optically intriguing depth and perspective, drawing the eye through the multidimensional levels of the dial.
Framing the periphery is a sleek fixed bezel with grid motif that references the Pasha's origins as a modern reboot of Cartier's vintage waterproof watches from the 1930s. Within the grid, the skeletonized Roman numerals mark each hour, outlined in black to ensure legibility against the anthracite gray base.
At 3 o'clock, the openworked XII initial reveals the barrel and mainspring. Over at 9 o'clock, the skeletonized VI frames the escapement, balance wheel and fine regulator mechanism. Their strategic placement corresponding to the watch's geometry adds balance and intrigue. Blue steel sword-shaped hands contrast crisply against the monochrome palette.
Through the transparent caseback, the new manufacture movement Calibre 9624 MC captivates with its intricate skeleton architecture and delicate hand-finishing. The bridges form double C’s that are both a tribute to Cartier and create a fascinating sense of depth.
Circular graining, polished bevels, Geneva stripes and blued screws complement the modern openworked construction with traditional fine watchmaking decorations. Despite its airy elegance, the skeletonized calibre retains a power reserve of 72 hours.
At 40mm by 31mm in 18k rose gold, the Pasha Skeleton maintains the collection’s characteristic proportions, neither too large nor too small. The slim case profiles with sleek, short lugs ensure a refined and versatile presence on the wrist.
Cartier offers the replica watch in 18k rose gold to complement the warm anthracite dial. For a subtle contrast, the crown is set with a faceted sapphire. The grey satin strap with matching gold ardillon buckle completes the elegant aesthetics.
True to its avant-garde origins from the 1980s, the Pasha still feels fashion-forward yet timelessly sophisticated. Skeletonizing the watch both slims its silhouette and reveals its high watchmaking credentials through transparency.
As an artistic craft, skeletonization has been practiced for centuries, reaching its peak in the 19th century pocket watches of master engravers like Charles Frodsham. By sculpting away metal to bare the movement, skeleton watches showcase both technical innovation and hand craftsmanship.
Design
The new Pasha Skeleton exemplifies Cartier's unique creativity in blending skeletonization with its iconic watch designs. Only a maison with its in-house expertise across movements, metallurgy and decoration could realize such harmonious openworking to highlight the Pasha's distinctive geometry.
Cartier further celebrates skeletonization's rich history by naming the Pasha Skeleton after Jean-François Regnault Nitot, the legendary 18th century Parisian watchmaker. Nitot served as the city's first official watchmaker under Napoleon and became renowned for his prestigiously skeletonized watches.
The Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Tribute to Jean-François Regnault Nitot Limited Edition is exclusive to 100 pieces only, sure to be coveted by connoisseurs who recognize its significance. The caseback of each piece is numbered and engraved with Nitot's mark from the Napoleon era, a star framing the initials J and N.
This limited Pasha release coincides with the 40th anniversary of Cartier's Pasha watch family. While the 21st century Pasha has been reinterpreted with everything from diamonds to a scale-like carbon fiber dial, none have showcased the collection's essence like the new Skeleton edition.
Stripped down to reveal its mechanical core, the replica Cartier Pasha Skeleton is a masterful blend of Cartier's unique design language with the poetry of high watchmaking. Between the intriguing transparent construction and precious limited availability, the Pasha Skeleton is sure to capture the imagination of collectors worldwide.
