954Σ

Cartier

Ref. WHTA0015, 4390

Tank Chinoise, Cartier Privé

A very rare and elegant limited edition platinum rectangular-shaped skeletonized wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 9 of a limited edition of 100 pieces

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000
€18,200 - 36,300
$20,500 - 41,000
HK$469,900
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
Circa 2022
Reference No
WHTA0015, 4390
Case No
009/100
Model Name
Tank Chinoise, Cartier Privé
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. MC 9627, 21 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
Platinum Cartier pin buckle
Dimensions
31.5 mm length x 28 mm width
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Cartier Warranty cards, blank Cartier certificate stamped Cartier China, blank numbered certificate of origin, loupe, cloth, hang tags, adjustment tool, additional crocodile strap, fitted presentation boxes and outer packaging.

Catalogue Essay

In 2022, Cartier celebrated the 100th anniversary of the original Tank Chinoise, a redesigned version of the Tank watch that drew inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture. Throughout its century-long existence, the Chinoise has remained an intriguing variation where the case design offers more depth compared to the original Tank Normale introduced in 1919. To commemorate this significant milestone, Cartier released a series of novelties in their Cartier Privé lineup. Among them, the present example stands out with its striking design.

Upon first glance, one is captivated by the skeletonized dial and vibrant color combination. Interestingly, instead of Roman numerals, which are often associated with Cartier's skeleton movements, the bridges and base plate of this watch have been openworked to form a Chinese architectural inspired pattern that complements the overall case construction. The use of cobalt blue and burgundy lacquer colors creates a yin and yang image of a circle within a square that signifies balance and harmony.

Numbered 9 out of 100 pieces, this particular iteration is encased in the noble metal platinum. It is kept in excellent condition and comes complete with its full set of accessories.

Cartier

French

With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.

Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open. 

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