185 Cartier A limited edition and very rare Cartier Tank a Guichèt in 18k pink gold with engravings on the back piece 2 of 3

Estimate: €25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Model: Tank à Guichet
Material: Pink Gold
Reference N°: A110753
Year: 1996
Case N°: 6759 number 2 of 3
Caliber: 219
Movement N°: 9304191
Bracelet: Leather strap
Dimensions: 24 x 35
Signed: Dial, Case and movement

The “jumping hour” complication gained enormous popularity at the turn of the ’20s and ’30s of the ’900, for its simple and effective design able to reflect the period of crisis and economic difficulty. Moreover, during that period this simple complication used to have a lot of appeal due to its uniqueness and particularity giving its special ability to show time. Cartier decided to present the first model of Tank à Guichet, inspired by the most iconic model it had ever created, the Tank. Its style was essential with a rigid case and two small windows, in French Guichet which just gives the name to the watch, able to show hour and minutes. Following the three main rules on which the Bauhaus school, very much in vogue in those years in Germany, was founded, those of the Avant-garde, Functionality and Modernity, the Tank a Guichèt is a fantastic example of this thought in which aesthetics must be minimized in favor of practicality and efficiency. The lot offered here is part of a limited edition created in 1996 of only 3 pieces and, as demonstrated by the engraving on the back, this watch is the number 2. The pink-gold case is in still great overall conditions, the two guichets stand out at 12 and 6 o’clock while the winding crown is positioned, unlike later models, at 12 o’clock. The watch has also its original Cartier deployant in pink gold with a very nice oxidation due to age. Perfect example of minimalism, this watch is one of the best representation of the ideas of Mies Van Der Rose of “less is more” and a great opportunity to catch a very limited number piece. For a similar model please see lot 144 in this auction.