The legendary watch Cartier Cheich achieved a sale price that exceeded all expectations, selling at auction in Paris for an incredible $1.1 million instead of the estimated $400,000. This watch was never available for sale but was gifted to drivers who managed to win the Dakar Rally throne for two consecutive years. This was accomplished by Gaston Rahier, who shocked the world by winning in 1984 and then again in 1985.
The watch case, designed by Jacques Diltoer in 1983, is inspired by nomads, depicting the silhouette of a Tuareg wearing a ‘cheich’ or, in French, ‘chèche’, a traditional cloth head covering used as protection from the sun.
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Museum Value
At that time, winners received watches of a more traditional design, with engravings on the back, and while this one is unique in appearance, it is one of the rare ‘Trois Ors’ models, made from three types of gold that typically adorn the jewelry of this French house.
The case is made of white, yellow, and pink gold, which symbolize love, friendship, and loyalty for Cartier. Cartier produced only three examples, but the Cartier Challenge ended in 1986 after the founder of Dakar, Thierry Sabine, tragically died in a plane crash.
In addition to Rahier winning one example, the second was meant for the next potential winner, and the third was offered to the late Sabine.
According to Sotheby’s, one example may have ended up in the hands of the famous French motorcyclist Hubert Auriol (who passed away in 2021), but until that information is confirmed, the watch is considered lost.
The sold example has been declared a museum piece by experts, so it is no surprise that it managed to reach nearly three times its estimated value.
