It seems that the origin of the Pasha model begins in the early 1930s, when The Pasha of Marrakesh ordered a one-of-a-kind watch from Louis Cartier. A gold watch, resilient enough for the Pasha’s active lifestyle, and with a level of water-resistance that was uncommon for the time. The solution was a watch with a large diameter (at least at that time), a crown cover and a metal grid to protect the dial.
The modern Pasha was introduced in 1985. It came after what we could call a drastic revolution in the organization of the Group, conducted by Alain Dominique Perrin, CEO since the mid 1970s. After the massive hit represented by the Must de Cartier Collection launched in 1977, and the revolutionary Santos in 1978, he decided to call the famous watch designer Gerald Genta for the design of a brand new yellow gold sports model: the Pasha.
This first Pasha featured a large (for the time) 38mm yellow gold case, a broad bezel, Vendôme lugs, and a screw-down crown cap, complete with cabochon and dainty retaining chain. Throughout its history, those details will remain at the core of the Pasha style. The dial also had its identifying marks, with the square minutes chapter ring placed front and centre on the circular dial, and the 12,3,6,9 dial layout.
The watch presented here is from 1988, from the very first period of production (which was very low).
It is a reference 1989, characterized by a graduated bezel.
The watch comes with an Handmade Blue Lousiana alligator strap, a solid gold Cartier buckle and his original box.