Cartier: The jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers. There are few names in the world of high watchmaking and high jewelry that attract admiration more so than Cartier. Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the legendary firm, from its beginnings, has been associated with exquisite craftsmanship and classic, sophisticated elegance. Their clientele is a Who’s Who in the world of fashion, politics, and society, with names like Wallace Simpson, Princess Grace of Monaco, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Andy Warhol, and even Formula 1 superstar, Ayrton Senna. In 1904, Cartier created the world’s first men’s wristwatch to incorporate integrated lugs for the renowned aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont. Following up on the success of this early timepiece, Cartier realized the Baignoire and Tortue in 1912, and in 1917, the revolutionary “Tank”. Designed near the end of World War I, the inspiration for the Tank’s groundbreaking design came from the top view of the very first Renault military tank vehicle deployed that same year.
Introduced in 1921, the 9-ligne, Grand Tank Cintrée model was the largest and boldest variation of Cartier’s Tank line. With its long, slender, and gracefully arching case, the Cintrée is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful watches made during the 1920s to 1940s. Measuring a dramatic 46mm long by 23mm wide, the Cintrée’s highly curved case was designed to hug the curves of the wrist. The expansive dial and case combine straight lines, sensual curves, and crisp angles, resulting in a ‘modern’ wristwatch with a design far ahead of its time. The present Grand Tank Cintrée, manufactured in platinum fitted with its original and removable Cartier platinum 7-link bracelet is, quite possibly, the finest and best-preserved example known. The most iconic version of Cartier’s iconic Tank model revered for its gentlemanly elegance, it houses an extremely wellfinished European Watch and Clock 9’’’ caliber supplied by LeCoultre and finished by Edmond Jaeger. Formerly owned by the financier Oscar C. Seebass, U.S. census records indicate Seebass and his wife Florence lived and worked near Manhattan, New York in the early 20th century. Ninety years after it was manufactured, it is as elegant and breathtaking today as it was during the “Roaring Twenties”. We are incredibly honored to present this watch. It is an opportunity to satiate even the most demanding of collectors.