VINTAGE CARTIER CODEX

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In 1977, Thierry Sabine got lost on his motorbike in the Libyan desert during the Abidjan-Nice Rally. Rescued at the last minute, he returned to France, deeply moved by the desert and vowed to share this passion with as many people as possible. He just had one goal : to take them into the vastness of the sand on a journey starting in Europe, crossing the most legendary deserts and finally leading to Dakar. In 1979, the Paris-Dakar was born. In 1983, over lunch, Thierry Sabine confided to Cartier’s president, Alain-Dominique Perrin, that he wanted him to create a watch that reflected the spirit of his rally.

After considering several creative options, Alain-Dominique Perrin chose the Paris-Dakar logo, the Tuareg cheich. He then asked Jacques Diltoer, Cartier’s artistic director, to adapt it as a watch case. Two Cheich trois ors watches were created, one for men, and a smaller one for women set with diamonds. To win them, Sabine decided that the Cartier Challenge had to be won. In other words, to win the Paris-Dakar twice in a row. Gaston Rahier achieved this feat in 1984 and 1985 on motorbike. “It’s the finest prize I’ve ever received in my life” said Rahier. It is also believed that Hubert Auriol - winner in 1981 and 1983 - received one as a gift from Thierry Sabine. According to witnesses, he seemed “ecstatic”, praising the watch’s originality. The Cartier Challenge sadly came to an end with the accidental death of Thierry Sabine in 1986.

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