Launched in 1985 (above), the Pasha has earned a cult status among collectors. That reputation stems from the fact that legendary Swiss watch designer Gerald Genta – the same man behind other horological icons like Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak and Patek Phillippe – was commissioned to design the timepiece.

The watch’s moniker is an homage to an actual historical figure – Thami el Glaoui. He was a tribal chieftain who held the title of Pasha of Marrakesh from 1912 to 1956 and was also a client of the maison. A flamboyant figure, he was chummy with the Western colonial powers and hung out  with the likes of Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.

Remember, the ’80s was a time when the sporty luxury watch trend was all the rage. The Pasha was Cartier’s answer to that demand – albeit done with a more glamorous slant. That context explains why the watch boasts a few flashy distinctive design elements like a square chapter ring sitting inside the round dial and a screw-down crown cover which is attached to the case with a chain link.

Remember, the ’80s was a time when the sporty luxury watch trend was all the rage. The Pasha was Cartier’s answer to that demand – albeit done with a more glamorous slant. That context explains why the watch boasts a few flashy distinctive design elements like a square chapter ring sitting inside the round dial and a screw-down crown cover which is attached to the case with a chain link.

Unscrew the crown cover and – voila – you’d notice an updated crown design this year. The maison has topped off the crown with a choice of either a blue spinel or sapphire.

Notice that sliver of space you see on the side of the case when you unscrew the crown cover? Cartier allows you to discreetly engrave your monogram/initials there.

Because why wouldn’t you want to ogle at the heart of your timepiece – the powerful Cartier 1847 MC automatic calibre? You’d be glad to know that the components are shielded with a paramagnetic alloy that gives your timepiece more protection against interference with magnetic fields.

The French maison understands the importance of changing up the appearance of your timepiece. Which explains why, the new Pasha models (above) – available in 35mm and 41mm – come with a set of interchangeable alligator leather straps and bracelets in steel or gold.

If the Pasha was a status symbol for the Dynasty generation in the ’80s, the 2020 versions are made for a more diverse crowd. And the choice of five young faces as its ambassadors could not drive home that relevance even more. Cue Academy Award winner Rami Malek, queer pop icon Troye Sivan, singer-activist Willow Smith, Emmy-nominated actress Maisie Williams and K-pop phenom Jackson Wang.