Welcome to the 152nd insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode, we travel back in time, taking a second to break down the stories behind our favourite watches and their peculiar attributes.
Watches stand as one of the oldest accessories still relevant today. Their lineage began over 500 years ago in the form of a chained pocket watch, retaining utmost prominence among all tiers of wealth. The timeless staple works as a feat of human engineering, an art form calling for respect and subsequent elegance despite a stand-alone appearance. The mechanism’s complexity garners collectors of all sorts, fetching incomprehensible prices for the smallest of faces.
When referring to vintage watches, many first think of the infamous Cartier ‘Crash’. Recognized by its distorted figure, gold bezel and gut-wrenching price tag, the face shares distinct similarities to Salvador Dali’s ‘Persistence of Time’. Despite such lore, the watch has no connection to the work, and is said to have been inspired by an automobile accident. Symbolizing non-conformity, ‘Crash’ paved the way for a slew of inventive watches, selling for upwards of $1.5 million at auction.
In the same stride as ‘Crash’, Colette x MAD’s “Who Cares Rolex” exemplifies obtuse thinking in a stainless steel frame. Retailing at $18,200 USD in a quantity of 5, the limited timepiece is simply unattainable. Oftentimes price point isn’t as much of a factor as finding one of these watches is, showcased in Frank Miura’s ‘Life’s a Gamble’. A Japanese spin-off of the Franck Muller label, this accessory retailed at a mere $50 with freestanding dice and scatter numerics, but is sold out, and frankly unlisted.
This trope is carried even more so in collaborative efforts like Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso ‘Mondriaan’ timepiece (slide 4). Featuring handpainted reversible backing and in-house calibre, the face turns to reveal an alternative, handpainted backing, much like Travis W. Simon’s custom “Fuck 9-5” Cartier Santos Dumont, which floats around $10,000.
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