Cartier Pasha 32mm

Without a doubt, the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm series represents the most exquisite interpretation of the House of Cartier’s unique Pasha design. It’s clearly aimed at the more serious of Cartier timepiece aficionados. Particularly among those who want a watch with this series’ level of understated elegance and refinement.

The Pasha de Cartier 32 mm is a series created for women within the larger Pasha collection.

Art Deco in influence, and clearly classic French design, the Pasha 32mm is another timepiece from Cartier that take notice. Here’s how Cartier describes the Pasha de Cartier collection on their website:

“This jeweled version of the Pasha de Cartier watch takes the original model to its most luxurious heights.”

“A statement watch. Round-cut diamonds blaze on the jeweled Pasha de

Cartier 32 mm watch; the gems are set either on the watch face, bezel or ornamental grid.”

“Whimsical folly. The interchangeability of the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm bracelets allows you to change the look of your timepiece whenever, and as often as, the urge takes you.”

“Ultra-feminine, ultra-chic and ultra-slim the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm timepiece goes beyond all description.”

The original Pasha de Cartier was developed in 1933, by the commission of the Pasha of Marrakech to design a watch he could wear while swimming. The Cartier Pasha model is one of the earliest truly water-resistant designs. And with its unique screw-down crown and cap, enhanced by a cabochon and chain, it’s also one of the most interesting to look at.

Launched in 1998, the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm series consists exclusively of gold and diamond-set watches designed for women. The Pasha de Cartier 32 mm is considered to be the most elegant series in the collection. However, as you’ll see, there’s a wide range of price options and designs, which are among the most beautiful jewelry oriented timepieces Cartier offers.

As featured on the Cartier website, the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm series includes 11 different models. As an important distinction, all of the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm models come with quartz movements, and as noted earlier, are set with diamonds. Ten of them have interchangeable straps and one has an interchangeable bracelet. By virtue if their 32 mm cases, the series consists exclusively of small sizes.

Given that the opening MSRP price point for this series starts at $15,000.00 USD, I realize it’s not for everyone. But even if you’re ‘just looking’, here are my two favorite Pasha de Cartier 32 mm models, from both ends of the price spectrum:

The Pasha Watch, small model (reference WJ11913G), which comes in pink gold, and two interchangeable straps; one made of black alligator leather and one of fabric (black satin). What is most appealing to me about this timepiece is the use of eight diamonds on the dial as hour markers. To my eye, it’s another example of sublime French interpretations of style that “speak” to me. And while the MSRP is $14,950.00 USD, I did find it available online for $10,800.00 USD. (That’s a noteworthy 28% discount). Given the range of prices among Cartier timepieces, it’s certainly within the range of “affordable” models.

The Pasha Watch, small model, which comes in white gold and has an interchangeable white gold bracelet. Everything (and I mean everything) about this watch says “luxurious, indulgent, urbane fashion”. Check out these incredible details:

• 18K white gold case set with round-cut diamonds
• 18K white gold screw-down crown cover decorated with a diamond
• Diamond-shaped blued steel hands
• 18K gold bracelet set with round-cut diamonds

For someone who has $133,875.00 (MSRP; USD) to afford this one-of-a-kind creation, I can’t think of a more outstanding option. But like for many of us, this watch may be analogous to the Limited Edition Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Flying Tourbillon Watch I described in an earlier post as “the most beautiful timepiece I’ll likely never own”. (BTW, it comes with a price tag of $130,000.00 USD.)

As I’ve noted along the way in this posting, my research shows online retailers are offering discounts of 20 to 28 percent off the MSRPs on Pasha de Cartier 32 mm models. And if you’re spending this much money on a timepiece, the actual dollar savings can be substantial.

For this posting, my Alan Zimmerman “exclusive” is one I’m especially proud of. I came across a terrific website, Fashion Revue (www.fashionrevue.com).  While it is clearly targeted to women, here’s a snippet from their site that’ll demonstrate its value for men as well (http://fashionrevue.com/2009/10/09/watches-for-real-ladies-cartier/):

“Cartier Ladies Watches make for perfect gifts for the ones you love; there is something above ordinary and special about the fashionable gift of elegance and time. For those who are considering a Ladies watch for the special lady in their life, a Cartier ladies watch is the best choice. If you intend to own a Cartier wrist watch because of its workmanship, we suggest that you go with the original as you can be assured that these will last you for your lifetime.”

Not surprisingly, I agree 100 percent with their recommendation to purchase an authentic Cartier timepiece. (And I say this because my Google searches for the Pasha de Cartier 32 mm series showed an atypically large number of fake and replica listings.)

If you’re going to buy a Pasha de Cartier 32 mm watch, it makes no sense to me why you’d risk either your investment, or potentially looking like a “poser” yourself as the gift giver or owner. But that’s my opinion, and I’m sticking with it…