We start this selection of vintage-inspired watches with a bit of a controversial model… There’s a lot to like regarding the design of the perfect replica Cartier Pebble, and there’s a lot to dislike about the price (in all fairness, Swiss made fake Cartier is really pushing it too hard here, with a watch that is double the price of an equivalent Santos-Dumont). But if we focus entirely on the design and the sheer audacity to revive such an original 1:1 copy Cartier, kudos to the French brand because the result truly has personality.
The luxury super clone Pebble is a perfect example of what Cartier London was capable of producing during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Unusual shapes, an interesting mix of geometrical patterns, classical touches on the dial and bold habillage. And the brand revived it earlier this year in an almost identical way, with an ultra-thin hand-wound Piaget base movement inside. Unfortunately, and despite the price, all 150 examples probably sold out long ago.
Quick facts: 36mm yellow gold case – shaped sapphire crystal – beige opaline dial with Roman numerals – hand-wound calibre 430 MC (base Piaget) – leather strap – reference CRWGPB0003 – limited to 150 pieces – EUR 40,000