Brand Guides / Cartier / Cartier Pasha
Reviewed by the Fine Watch Guide team · October 2026
The Pasha de Cartier, introduced in 1985, is Cartier's round sports watch, known for its crown cover attached by a small chain and its square minute track inside a round case.
The Pasha is Cartier's most distinctive round watch, mixing a round case with a square minute track and topping the crown with a cover on a small chain. It's bolder than most Cartiers and was made for wearing, not just admiring.
Cartier introduced the Pasha de Cartier in 1985, and its name connects to a story about a watch Cartier made for the Pasha of Marrakech in the 1930s. The design mixes a round case with a square minute track and a crown cover, attached to the case by a short chain, that screws down over the crown.
In 2020, Cartier relaunched the Pasha with a modern automatic movement, QuickSwitch interchangeable straps and SmartLink bracelet sizing, along with an option to engrave initials under the crown cover.
The Pasha's mix of round and square elements was unusual for Cartier, a house better known for square and rectangular cases, and it gave the brand a sportier round watch for the late twentieth century. That design has stayed largely intact through the 2020 relaunch, which is part of its appeal to collectors.
The crown cover protects the crown and adds to the Pasha's look, and the chain keeps it attached when unscrewed. Over time, the chain and its attachment points can wear or break. A watchmaker can repair them, but replacement parts often come from Cartier.
Unscrew the cover gently to wind or set the watch, and screw it back down fully afterward. Forcing it can damage the threads.
If the chain breaks, keep the crown cover. A watchmaker can usually reattach it with a new chain, but replacing a lost cover is harder and more expensive. Store the watch with the cover screwed down so it doesn't swing and catch.
On the 2020 version, the space under the crown cover can be engraved with initials, which makes keeping the original cover even more important.
Pashas have used quartz, automatic and other movements over the years. Quartz models need battery changes with new gaskets and a pressure test. Automatic models need a full service every several years.
For recent models with Cartier's in-house movements, Cartier is the best place for service. Vintage Pashas can be serviced by an experienced independent.
Ask for the crown cover threads to be cleaned and checked during service, because grit in the threads makes the cover stiff and wears it faster. A good watchmaker will also confirm the gaskets under the cover and around the crown are sealing properly.
Check the crown cover and chain carefully, because damage there is common and repairs can cost more than expected. Confirm that the movement, dial and case match the reference, and ask about the service history.
Vintage and modern Pashas wear differently. The 2020 version has a slimmer, more refined case. Try both on if you can.
On chronograph and complicated Pashas, test every function before buying, because repairs to those mechanisms cost more than a standard service. Ask for the box and papers, and confirm the serial number on the caseback matches them.
The Pasha has come in many variations over the years, including chronographs, versions with a protective grille over the dial, and models with additional complications. Each has its own service needs, and complicated versions take longer and cost more to service.
When buying pre-owned, confirm which variation you're looking at and that all its functions work correctly.
The grille versions, with a metal lattice over the dial, are among the most distinctive, and the grille itself should be checked for damage and correct attachment. Chronograph versions need a watchmaker comfortable with chronographs, and the pushers should be tested for smooth action.
The Pasha is a bold, sporty watch, and it's comfortable for everyday wear. Keep the crown cover screwed down, and have the gaskets checked during service.
On the 2020 version, the QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems make swapping straps and adjusting the bracelet easy. Use genuine Cartier straps for the best fit.
Rinse it after the beach or pool, dry the crown cover properly and have the water resistance checked every year or two if you swim with it. The Pasha is sportier than most Cartiers, but it still rewards a little care.
Cartier introduced the Pasha de Cartier in 1985 and relaunched it in 2020.
It protects the crown and is part of the Pasha's design. It screws down over the crown and stays attached by a small chain.
Yes. A watchmaker can repair it, though correct replacement parts often need to come from Cartier.
A slimmer case, a modern automatic movement, QuickSwitch straps, SmartLink bracelet sizing and an option to engrave initials under the crown cover.
Cartier Pasha owners use Cartier specialists for servicing, authentication and restoration.
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