The Quest Never Ends: Inside Fiona Bartholomeusz’s Cartier Crash Collection
COLLECTOR FEATURE
Thirty-three years, fourteen Crashes, and a trio of gem-set pieces she designed herself with Cartier. Singapore-based collector Fiona Bartholomeusz is one of the most important collectors of the Cartier Crash in the world. Her collection runs well beyond the Crash, taking in other Cartier icons, a rainbow-set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and a vintage Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse. But the Crash is where her story begins. We asked her how it started, which piece was hardest to find, and the one she’s still looking for.
Where it began
What was the first Cartier Crash you ever owned, and what drew you to it at the time?
It was a pink gold Crash that I bought over 33 years ago! I tend to veer towards unpredictable forms and shapes, and the “method to the madness” design aesthetic of the Crash appealed to me that way.
What do you do outside of collecting?
My primary day job is running ad and social media agencies. For fun I like to snowboard (not the most convenient hobby to have here in tropical Singapore!) and scuba dive. I also love to travel in search of great food and champagne and, oddly enough, I’m learning how to drift and drive on ice! I am a creature of many habits.
How long have you been collecting the Crash, and roughly how many pieces are in your collection today?
Over three decades, and as of now, 14 pieces. I have said I’ll retire when I have 15 pieces, so I have moved on to collecting independent brands and vintage pieces. The quest never ends!
I have said I’ll retire when I have 15 pieces. The quest never ends!
Fiona Bartholomeusz
The design and its myth
The Crash has a strange origin story. Some say it was inspired by a watch damaged in a car accident. What does the design mean to you personally, beyond the history?
Oh, that tale has been dispelled by Francesca Cartier Brickell’s book The Cartiers. It was designed by Jean-Jacques Cartier with Rupert Emmerson during the swinging ’60s in London. I think the design is emblematic of that era and is so aligned to Cartier’s mastery of shapes and design innovation.
The hunt
Which piece in your collection is the hardest one to have found, and how did you finally track it down?
Probably the Ref. 2463 pink diamond Crash, which happens to be the only piece I’ve ever bought at auction. It was released in 2001 in very limited quantities, when I was too poor to afford it, so it took me ages to finally track one down. I won the bid at a Hong Kong auction in 2016. Pink diamonds are now so expensive at Cartier that, in hindsight, I think I got it at a steal.
The Panthère Crash
Do you have a single favourite Crash, and if so, what makes it the one?
Probably my blue sapphire spotted Crash, as sapphire is my birthstone. Although Cartier doesn’t merge designs, I call it the Panthère Crash because it picks up its spots from the Panthère jewellery I have. It’s the perfect union of two of Cartier’s most distinctive lines!
Has any piece in your collection come with a story attached, from a previous owner, an auction, or how it found its way to you?
I started my Panthère Crash series (sapphire, emerald, ruby) through a chance meeting with Stanislas de Quercize, now the former CEO of Cartier, at a High Jewellery dinner in Dubai. We both chatted animatedly about our love for design, jewellery and, in particular, the Crash. I mentioned the idea of a spotted Crash and the rest, as they say, is history. I was allowed to design the piece, and eventually made it a trio of different stones across three timepieces.
I mentioned the idea of a spotted Crash and the rest, as they say, is history.
Fiona Bartholomeusz
Living with the collection
How do you decide which pieces to wear day to day versus which stay archived or displayed?
I’m what they call a convenient watch wearer: I wear what’s closest to me when I’m grabbing accessories for the day. It’s definitely a first-world problem when you have too many pieces to choose from and you’re in a rush to head out. It is convenient, however, that I work close to where my best pieces are stored in a secure facility, so I can pop in and grab what I need for a dinner or event.
How have you watched interest and prices in the Crash shift over the years you’ve been collecting?
While I am happy for Cartier that it is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a watchmaker, I am concerned that genuine collectors are not getting allocations. Those are being given to buyers who then flip the watches for a quick profit. I think there is something to be said for people who are loyal to the brand and are also brand advocates, but this is a problem that affects most notable watch brands, including the independents.
Beyond the Crash
Fourteen Crashes in, Fiona’s eye has wandered, and her taste in other watches is just as bold. There’s a vintage Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse with an onyx dial, a pair of Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks, one in pink gold with a matching pink dial and another in frosted white gold with a rainbow bezel, and, true to her own advice, independents such as Legare’s Chapter One.
Photos courtesy of Fiona Bartholomeusz.
Advice and the grail
For someone just discovering the Crash and thinking about starting their own collection, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them?
Don’t approach watch collecting as a commercial exercise. Pick what you love and wear it with joy, but do your research: check the socials and auction sites, and know who is up and coming. I personally think vintage pieces are more accessible and have a fascinating history behind them. Identifying independent watch brands is also a great opportunity to pick the next star before they become the next Rexhep, Brette or Berneron.
Don’t approach watch collecting as a commercial exercise. Pick what you love and wear it with joy.
Fiona Bartholomeusz
Is there a Crash you don’t yet own that you consider your grail, the one still on the list?
I’ve been told there is a Rue de la Paix 13 Crash, so that would be the holy grail for me. Alternatively, I might be forced to try to convince Eric (Ku) to sell me one of his 1967 London Crashes. Wishful thinking on my part, no doubt.
Our thanks to Fiona Bartholomeusz for sharing her collection and her stories with Watch Pro Academy.
