The mythical ‘Cartier Cheich’ – a watch with a history steeped in triumph and tragedy – is one of the world’s great watch unicorns. This unique model from 1983 was born from the legendary collaboration between Cartier and one of the world’s most famous transnational races, The Paris-Dakar, and the two men behind those brands: Alain Dominique Perrin, Cartier’s then President, and Thierry Sabine, the founder of the race and racing driver himself. “Nothing quite like it would ever be made again, and its reemergence now from the family of the great champion to whom it was awarded, like a holy grail, is any serious watch collector’s dream,” says specialist benoit.watches. “There is no doubt that this Cheich watch, the only one awarded and the only one to come from private hands, is one of the most important Cartier wristwatches ever made.” The watch is on view at Sotheby’s Monaco until 17 July, as part of the inaugural exhibition featuring fine jewellery, pieces from Sotheby’s Diamonds,...