235 Cartier Extremely Rare, Absolutely Precious and Exceptional, Asymmetric-Shape Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Black Dial, Signed by Jaeger, published in the Iconic Book “My Time”
Estimate: €80,000 – 160,000
Model: Asymmetric
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1950s
Movement: Manual
Case N°: 76371
Dimensions: 23 × 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Additional Leather Strap
Literature: This specific watch is published in the Iconic Book “My Time” at page 405
When it comes to case shapes and designs, Cartier has always led from the front. The iconic Tank is a testament to this: just look at how much variation is possible to find. But one model really stands apart from the crowd, the aptly named Tank Asymétrique, which was launched in 1936. The ’30s, despite all the political and economic upheavals, was a time of profound fecundity for Louis Cartier and was during this innovative period where the firm was experimenting with creative case designs that the Asymétrique saw light, to suit the needs of drivers. Everything you need to know about this watch is in its name: the case is asymmetric, and consequently, so is the dial, which changes the whole dynamic. The 12 o’clock is now in the top right-hand corner, the crown is at 2 o’clock, it’s all a bit strange, but when your hands are on a steering wheel at ten and two o’clock, the dial is oriented upright. Strap the watch on the wrist, however, and you instantly realize how intuitive and easy it is to read the time without having to bring your arm towards yourself. The example here offered is surely one of the rarest, most precious and definitely important to ever appear on the market in recent years. The yellow-gold case is absolutely very well preserved, still offering crisp and deep engravings and hallmarks on the back. The yellow-gold tile bracelet matches perfectly with the rest of the watch and was later added by the previous owner on a specific request following his personal taste. The dial is simply phenomenal: it is not easy to find an Asymmetric this old so well preserved, but it becomes way harder to find one with a black dial and almost impossible with the precious signature Jaeger on it. This model was later rechristened the Tank Asymétrique and became one of the most coveted and recognizable timepieces thanks to its total originality in design, but when compared to such a magnificent example, it is immediately clear that vintage times were a step ahead. A small but significant supplement: this specific watch is published in Sandro Fratini’s Book “My Time” at page 405.