Cartier, London

The 1960s and 1970s were decades of extraordinary creative energy and cultural transformation. As society embraced a more liberated spirit and broke away from traditional conventions, designers across all disciplines produced some of the most striking and imaginative creations ever seen — from watches and jewelry to automobiles, architecture, and fashion. It was a true design revolution.

During this period, Cartier London operated independently from its counterparts in Paris and New York, and it was here that some of the maison’s most daring and unconventional pieces were born. Produced in extremely limited numbers, these creations seamlessly merged artistry with innovation. Among the icons conceived in this era were the Crash, the Baignoire, and the Pebble, each a testament to Cartier’s avant-garde vision.

The present Grande Octagonal wristwatch perfectly embodies this spirit of bold creativity. Departing from the traditional round or tonneau forms of the time, its striking octagonal case stands out both in geometry and scale, making it a distinctive expression of 1970s design. Housed in a white gold case and retaining its original white dial, this example is complemented by a buckle that echoes the case’s design. The “HSA” engraving on the case back indicates it was serviced and documented by Cartier in the modern era, and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Cartier. The inside case back and clasp have matching London Hallmarks dating to 1971, and the case and clasp are both stamped '9633'. Only a handful of these models are known, most in yellow gold, making this white gold version an especially rare and desirable find.