8 Cartier Fascinating and Glamorous, Tank Obus Wristwatch in White-gold, With Blue Roman Enamel Numerals

Estimate: €10,000 –⁠ 20,000

Model: Tank Obus
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: White Gold
Year: 1980’s
Movement: Quartz
Case N°: A101334
Dimensions: 25 × 31 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Released in 1929, the Tank Obus is known for its unusual shape. Unlike other watches in the Tank line, the Obus is square, not the rectangular shape that many collectors have come to expect. But the most distinctive element of this watch is the shape of the lugs, which look nothing more like tiny bullets affixed to the ends of the case. The present example of Obus is one of the most interesting since is the version with a very wide bezel and, most of all fully realized in white gold and equipped with a bracelet of the same material. The solid square case with the ogive lugs is nicely preserved and the bid bezel offers the gorgeous decoration with radial Roman numbers and inner minute track in a vivid blue champleve enamel. That is a peculiarity since the majority of these versions in white gold appeared had black enamel while the blue one such as the present specimen enhances the harmony and beauty of the watch. The mat off-white dial is clean with only the “Cartier” and “Paris” signature while the hands are blued steel épée ones. Despite being one of the very rare specimens of Tank, the present lot is also extremely desirable since it comes with a white-gold bracelet with a rhomboidal texture of great effect and elegance.