43 Cartier Attractive and Precious, Tank Shape, Wristwatch in White Gold, With Diamond-set Case

Estimate: €12,000 –⁠ 24,000

Model: Tank
Case Material: White Gold and Diamonds
Bracelet Material: White Gold
Year: 1980s
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 2512-1
Case N°: 780 931 607
Dimensions: 19 × 28 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

The present “Tank” is a fine example of Cartier’s most famous wristwatches, originally inspired by the Renault tanks that the firm’s founder Louis Cartier had seen in use on the Western Front during the First World War. The model was introduced in 1918, entering full production in 1919, when six pieces were made. The least known among the Tank siblings, the Tank Normale featured an elegant yet at the same time utilitarian design that was, and still is, easily recognizable due to its angular case with vertical crossbars. One of the great design classics of the 20th century, the Tank is both a square and a rectangle at the same time. The Tank watch is defined by its now-iconic Roman numeral dial with a railway minute ring and a sapphire cabochon-set winding crown. This lot does not differ from these characteristics with the typical style of the dial and the cabochon. Differently from the standards, where the diamond set Tank models only feature diamonds on the vertical side bars, on this piece also the horizontal bars of the case are set with diamonds. Moreover, the watch is also equipped with an original and rare 18k white-gold brick-style Cartier bracelet with the iconic deployant clasp. This exceptional and historically important Tank is in impeccable condition with sharp lines and a tight bracelet.