In the flesh, this latest reference CRWSPA0027 chronograph in the still freshly re-released Cartier Pasha watch collection is a real crowd pleaser. Marrying the quirky good looks of the Cartier Pasha with the sporty appeal of a chronograph, this latest crop of 41mm-wide steel Pasha Chronograph watches is worth a close look, even as a daily wear timepiece. Cartier currently has two versions of the steel-on-steel bracelet 41mm Pasha Chronograph (the other is the all-silver-dialed reference CRWSPA0018. I like this gray and silver dial model better because the dial pops a bit more and you get a better sense of visual depth.
More so, this particular style of subdial with contrasting rings, as opposed to full subdial circles in a different color, is a look that suits many people and offers a light deviation from the typical type of multiple-color chronograph dial. That said, did you notice how this Cartier Pasha Chronograph differs from some of the historic models? In the past, Cartier designed the Pasha Chronograph with interesting oblong subdials. For these contemporary Pasha Chronograph models, Cartier decided to go with more traditional circle subdials. Neither is necessarily better, but Cartier is clearly going for a more mainstream look with the current-generation Pasha.
I’ve always really loved the idea of combining a jewelry watch with a sports watch, and that is exactly what a piece like the Pasha Chronograph is. With 100 meters of water resistance on a bracelet and a uni-directional rotating bezel, this is a tool watch that is dressed up to go out for the evening. Cartier employs cultured fonts, attractive shapes and texturing, and an overall focus on classicism to maintain that high-end, dressy appearance people want from many Cartier products. I also love how the blued steel hands match the blue spinel cabochons that are integrated into the crown cap and the chronograph pushers.
Indeed, because this is a Pasha watch it doesn’t have a traditional screw-down crown. Rather it has a cap that goes over the crown that unscrews and dangles on an attached chain segment. Another defining feature of the Pasha is the single-lug structure for the strap/bracelet attachment. We mostly see this feature on women’s watches but, when done correctly, I think it has a very handsome look for men. The lugs are equipped with Cartier’s QuickSwitch” system for easy removal. More so, the steel links in the bracelet use Cartier’s SmartLink” system, which allows you to adjust the size of the bracelet without tools. These are all very good things. Note that, in addition to the metal bracelet, Cartier also includes a gray-colored alligator strap with this product.
At 41mm-wide with 11.97mm of thickness, the Pasha Chronograph is not overly large even though it has broad wearing proportions thanks to the expansive dial and prominent pushers/crown. I further like how Cartier applies a mixture of polished and brushed surfaces in a way that allows the Pasha Chronograph to very much be the “lifestyle” watch, as much as it is a sports watch. One downside to the otherwise beautiful dial is a lack of luminant, but that is expected with hands of this style. At the least, the mostly anthracite-tone dial has a very welcome sense of depth including the recessed sections of the dial as well as the use of applied hour markers.
Inside the watch is the Cartier caliber 1904-CH MC automatic movement. This is the brand’s standard 4Hz, two-day power reserve mechanical movement with a 12-hour chronograph module placed over it. You can view the movement through the caseback of the watch through the sapphire crystal.
Watches like this Cartier Pasha Chronograph might not immediately jump out at you when seeing pictures of it, but they do make a strong case for themselves once you put them on and realize how stylish and versatile they might be. What helps is that the Pasha has always been good at combining sensible conservatism with a bit of avant garde personality thanks to being inspired by antique military and diving watches. I really admire this watch and would love to spend more time with it. Price for the reference CRWSPA0027 Cartier Pasha Chronograph is $9,900 USD. Learn more at the Cartier website here.
