We will introduce the Pasha, one of Cartier's most representative collections. From its history to the current model, what is the appeal of the Pasha, a watch that combines Cartier's sportiness and elegance and is loved by people of all ages and genders?
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 18, 2025]
What is the Cartier Pasha watch?
Cartier has many iconic collections, including the Santos and Tank. The Pasha, one of these, is a model with a unique appeal. It was introduced in 1985. Featuring a round case, a crown protector attached by a small chain, and a dial with Arabic numerals, the Pasha was born as a sporty watch with 100m water resistance. The crown protector is screwed down, and when released, it becomes possible to operate the small crown hidden inside. This watch has elevated the waterproofing system, modeled on that of military watches, to a unique and distinctive design.
Although it was officially introduced in 1985, its prototype was actually established as early as 1943. Although it was not named Pasha, the design is identical, with a round case with a crown protector, distinctive lugs, and even a dial.
The Pasha, now known as the "Pasha de Cartier," underwent a renewal in 2020, brushing up the watch without changing its basic design. The lineup caters to a wide range of needs, from classic three-hand models to chronographs, tourbillons, and jewelry-adorned models. We'll introduce some of them below.
"Pasha de Cartier" Ref.WGPA0031
The dark gray dial and 18K rose gold case exude elegance. Interchangeable straps are included, allowing for a variety of different straps to be swapped out. Automatic movement (Cal. 1847MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 40 hours. 18K rose gold case (diameter 41mm, thickness 9.6mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 3,228,000 yen (tax included).
This model features an elegant color scheme. The dial is finished in dark gray and features the elegant Arabic numerals that are symbolic of the Pasha, and is further enhanced with a sunray brushed finish for an elegant look.
The case is crafted from 18K rose gold. Its wide bezel, sapphire-set crown, and distinctive lugs all make it instantly recognizable as a Pasha, boasting iconic design elements. The watch features a "Quick Switch" interchangeable strap system, allowing you to change the strap to suit your mood or the occasion. It comes with a semi-matt gray alligator leather strap and a black alligator leather strap, allowing you to enjoy switching between straps without having to purchase an additional one. The strap is fitted with an 18K rose gold folding buckle, making it easy to put on and take off.
The watch is equipped with the automatic mechanical movement, Cal. 1847MC, named after the year Cartier was founded, and is a standard movement suitable for daily use.
"Pasha de Cartier" Ref.WHPA0007
This model features a bold skeleton dial. Its cool monotone coloring and stainless steel bracelet make it highly versatile. Automatic (Cal. 9624MC). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel case (41mm diameter, 10.45mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 4,831,000 yen (tax included).
This playful model features a skeletonized dial and movement. The dial has been boldly stripped away, leaving only the indexes and minute track, and is finished in gray. The blued steel rose-shaped hour and minute hands add an accent to the monotone and also contribute to improved visibility.
Visible through the dial is the automatic movement, Cal. 9624MC. You can admire the geometric bridges that match the shape of the dial, the large skeletonized rotor, and the gears that transmit power. Thanks to the see-through back, you can also enjoy the movement from the back.
The case is made of stainless steel. The sapphire set in the crown matches the color of the hour and minute hands. It comes with a sporty stainless steel bracelet, making it safe to wear even in bad weather. The bracelet is equipped with a "Smart Link" mechanism, allowing the owner to easily insert and remove links and adjust the size. The Quick Switch exchange system allows the bracelet to be removed from the case with a single touch.
"Pasha de Cartier" Ref.WSPA0013
This model features a small case that is easy to wear for both men and women. The classic dial with no date display gives it timeless appeal. Automatic movement (Cal. 1847MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 35mm, thickness 9.37mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,122,000 yen (tax included).
This model features a compact 35mm case. Its silver dial features flinqué decoration, Arabic numerals, bar-type indexes, a square minute track, and blued-steel rose gold hands, creating a classic Pasha design. The absence of a date display gives it a more classical look.
The crown protector, connected by a chain, which is symbolic of the Pasha, is more prominent than the 41mm case model, perhaps due to the small diameter of the case. A synthetic spinel is set on the crown top, adding a subtle sparkle. The watch is water resistant to a solid 10 bar, making it easy to wear in any weather or season.
In addition to the stainless steel bracelet equipped with the Smart Link system, it also comes with a navy alligator leather strap, which can be easily interchanged using the Quick Switch exchange system.
The movement is the in-house automatic Cal. 1847MC, which can be viewed through the see-through back.
"Pasha de Cartier" Ref.WHPA0010
A complication watch equipped with a flying tourbillon. The warm color scheme elegantly adorns the wrist. Manual winding (Cal. 9552MC). 19 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. 18KPG case (41mm diameter, 10.45mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 15,048,000 yen (tax included).
This complication watch from the Pasha de Cartier lineup features a warm, flinqué-finished dial, three-dimensional indices, and a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock, creating a design that is both delicate and bold.
The tourbillon rotates once every 60 seconds, and functions as a second hand by aligning it with the scale around the opening. Because it is a flying tourbillon that is not supported by a bridge from above, it not only allows for a thorough view of the internal mechanism, but also creates a mysterious impression, as if floating. The Arabic numeral indexes and minute track are black, ensuring excellent visibility.
The case is crafted from 18K pink gold. With a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 10.45mm, it is a size that is easy to wear every day despite its complex mechanism. The see-through back allows for viewing of the mechanical hand-wound movement, Cal. 9552MC. The movement's exquisite craftsmanship can be appreciated, with details such as the main plate with its striped decoration and beveled edges, and the bridge that supports the flying tourbillon while allowing light to enter the dial side.
The watch comes with two alligator leather straps, one in black and one in dark grey, which can be swapped using the Quick Switch exchange system.
"Pasha de Cartier" Ref.WHPA0006
A high-end Pasha with a flying tourbillon. Its skeletonized dial and movement allow for a close look at the internal mechanisms. Manually wound (Cal. 9466MC). 19 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. 18KPG case (41mm diameter, 10.45mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 18,348,000 yen (tax included).
This skeleton watch features a flying tourbillon and features a skeletonized dial with the indexes and minute track remaining as beams, revealing the movement inside.
A flying tourbillon is located at the 6 o'clock position on the dial, allowing you to enjoy the sight of its intricately assembled carriage slowly rotating. The indexes and minute track are finished in gray, and the blued steel hour and minute hands combine to ensure practical visibility despite the skeleton watch.
The hand-wound movement Cal. 9466MC inside can be viewed from both the front and back, allowing you to visually enjoy the flow of the meticulously finished parts and gear train.
The case is crafted from 18K pink gold, and is both elegant and water resistant for everyday use, with a sparkling sapphire on top of the crown.
Two alligator leather straps are included, one in black and one in dark grey, and the quick switch exchange system allows you to change them to suit your preference with just one touch.
