The Cartier Crash Skeleton reference WHCH0006 is a rare, limited-edition timepiece that reimagines the brand’s iconic asymmetrical silhouette first introduced in 1967. This model features a 28.15mm by 45.32mm case crafted from 18k pink gold, housing the manual-winding caliber 9618 MC. The movement is uniquely designed to follow the distorted contours of the case, with the bridges themselves skeletonized to form the signature Roman numeral hour markers. This open-worked architecture is paired with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a beaded pink gold crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon.
In terms of technical specifications, the watch is engineered for elegance over heavy utility, featuring a mineral crystal and an open sapphire caseback to showcase the movement from both sides. It is water-resistant to 30 meters and offers a three-day power reserve, an impressive feat for a movement of such unconventional shape. The time-only complication prioritizes the visual interplay between the mechanical framework and the case’s surreal geometry. Only 67 pieces of this specific reference were produced, making it a highly exclusive collector’s item.
General reviews of the WHCH0006 frequently highlight its status as a masterpiece of horological sculpture. Critics and enthusiasts alike praise Cartier’s ability to integrate functional mechanical components into a decorative design that honors the avant-garde spirit of the original “London Crash.” While its size is sometimes noted as delicate, reviews emphasize that the complexity of the skeletonized movement gives it a significant presence on the wrist. The primary criticism often relates to the inherent difficulty of reading the time precisely due to the lack of a traditional dial and the warped orientation of the Roman numerals.