In 2021, Tyler, the Creator made a notable shift—not just in music, but in personal style. That year marked his transition from Casio to Cartier, setting the stage for his emergence as a serious collector of rare and obscure luxury watches. Now, one of those standout pieces is on display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) as part of the special exhibition Cartier, The Exhibition.
The show is a bold celebration of Cartier’s craftsmanship, featuring 350 of its most iconic and elusive designs. Among the historic and high-profile pieces—such as the Crash, Tank à Guichets, and Cloche—visitors will find a particularly unique addition: Tyler’s own Cartier Obus Quadrant with a red leather strap. He wore the rare watch to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) gala in 2021.
“It’s more unexpected,” said Rachel Garrahan, co-curator of the exhibit and a noted journalist specializing in watches and jewelry. “We have a Crash, a Santos, and a Tank—many classics. But this is a watch that isn’t represented elsewhere.”
The Obus Quadrant, produced around 1987, features Roman numerals etched not on the dial, but on its oversized bezel—a unique touch that sets it apart even within Cartier’s adventurous design history. This particular watch has a Paris-stamped dial and was likely acquired at the Monaco Legends Auction in 2021, making it an extremely rare find.
Tyler’s collection includes several other coveted models: the Cartier Crash, Santos-Dumont, Baignoire, and Pebble. The Crash alone is valued between £100,000 and £300,000 due to its limited production history. The Pebble, a 1970s design icon, and the Santos-Dumont, widely regarded as the first men’s wristwatch, round out his impressive lineup.
“Cartier was very helpful in contacting him,” Garrahan said. “His collection perfectly illustrates the emotional and creative appeal of Cartier. He was the ideal contributor.”
Tyler has helped popularize a trend toward smaller, more distinctively shaped watches—often seen on stage or at award shows. When he first wore the Obus Quadrant in 2021, he was ahead of the curve. Today, he’s joined by other trendsetters like A$AP Rocky, Jacob Elordi, and Paul Mescal.
“Cartier has long stood for elegance, originality, and style,” Garrahan explained. “Originally through royalty and aristocrats—but we wanted to show that relevance continues today. Tyler, the Creator, embodies that evolution.”
His inclusion in the V&A exhibition underscores his growing influence in the world of luxury watches. “He’s brought Cartier to a new generation,” Garrahan said. “There’s something truly compelling about his collection.”
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