Cartier Cheich

A unique Cartier in white gold; initially designed for exceptional rally winners but additionally only one was conceived -in this metal- for an exceptional collector.

During a lunch with mister Alessio Zenga in 2022, he handed me a red pouch under the table. I was blown away to discover what was inside: a previously unknown example of the highly coveted Cheich. A couple weeks prior to our encounter, a Tridor example was picked up by mister Eric Ku; which fetched over a million dollar in the Sotheby's auction. But what is so elusive about this sculptural model?

It was drawn-up by Jacques Diltoer (creative director of Cartier), and the shape resembles the headscarf worn by Tuareg men; which was also the inspiration for the logo of the Dakar Rally. This difficult and dangerous race used to start in Paris, the city of one of the most renowned jewellers in history. The CEO of this French company, Dominique Perrin, came up with the idea of the "Cartier-challenge". In the unlikely event that someone where to win it back-to-back, he or she was gifted this magnificent creation. This incredible feat was only accomplished once and thus there are mere four specimens in existence: the one won by Rahier, the successor that was crafted in case someone would win consecutive races again, a smaller one with diamond setting for the ladies race and one for Thierry Sabine, the founder of Dakar. There has never been another winner of the Cartier-challenge, which seized to exist after Rahier died in a helicopter crash, so the 2 remaining Cheichs reside in Cartiers archive. The one from Sabine is believed to be lost forever. However, there is a fifth one almost no-one knew about.

It reads No.1 on the back of the case, that is executed in 18K white gold. Next to 2010, which refers to the year it was released. Made as a special order for, arguably, the most important collector of white metal Cartiers: Giorgio Seragnoli. After publishing his sought-after Cartier Bianco Book, made alongside Osvaldo Patrizzi, he was granted the opportunity to bring this staggering design back to live; yet in his personally preferred metal. Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse for this legendary Italian as he ended up bankrupt; unable to purchase his own dream creation. Ultimately it did find its way to another local gentleman, as it stayed in Milano before finding its home in Amsterdam.

Looking at it on my wrist, 2 years after I first laid eyes on it, gives a spectacular feeling; it exudes considerable power for a timepiece of this size. The layered case provides such a dynamic, yet luxurious, feel. Dare I say art on the wrist? Regardless, it is so exciting to discover a watch that no one knows its existence of, and I'm grateful Alessio gave me the opportunity to explore its allure, prior to uncovering this find to the world.