





5Σ
Cartier
Ref. 4285
Tank Asymétrique “NSO”
A possibly unique, well-preserved, and stunning special order platinum asymmetrical wristwatch with dark anthracite dial, warranty, and presentation box
- Estimate
- $35,000 - 70,000
$80,010
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Cartier
- Year
- 2021
- Reference No
- 4285
- Case No
- 2021 / No.1
- Model Name
- Tank Asymétrique “NSO”
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 1917MC, 19 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum Cartier pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 26mm width x 48mm length
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Cartier international limited warranty card, instruction manual, purchase receipt, Cartier Certificate of Origin, polishing cloth, loupe, fitted presentation box, and outer box.
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Making its debut in 1936, the Cartier Tank Asymétrique—originally known as the Paralélogramme—emerged during one of the most daringly creative periods in Cartier’s history. A radical reimagining of the classic Tank, the Paralélogramme shifted both the case and dial 30 degrees, resulting in a silhouette that lies diagonally across the wrist with bold architectural elegance. Alongside iconic models such as the Cintrée, Crash, and Baignoire Allongée, the Tank Asymétrique stands as a cornerstone of the maison’s 20th-century design legacy.
Reissued sparingly throughout the 1990s and 2000s in limited series, the Tank Asymétrique has maintained its cult status among collectors, each revival affirming its place in the firm’s storied heritage.
The present, very likely unique example, commissioned through Cartier’s now-paused New Special Order (NSO) program, is a singular expression of the model’s enduring allure. Housed in a platinum case and distinguished by a rich anthracite sunburst dial with crisp white stylized Arabic numerals, it is a piece that fuses historic design with contemporary refinement. The presence of a ruby cabochon—a signature marker of Cartier’s platinum timepieces—adds a final flourish of opulence.
Making its auction debut and offered with its complete suite of original accessories, this exceptional NSO Tank Asymétrique is a testament to both the visionary spirit of Cartier and the discerning taste of the collector who commissioned it. It is a rare opportunity to acquire a watch that speaks equally to design connoisseurship and Cartier’s enduring tradition of bespoke excellence.
PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER
Reissued sparingly throughout the 1990s and 2000s in limited series, the Tank Asymétrique has maintained its cult status among collectors, each revival affirming its place in the firm’s storied heritage.
The present, very likely unique example, commissioned through Cartier’s now-paused New Special Order (NSO) program, is a singular expression of the model’s enduring allure. Housed in a platinum case and distinguished by a rich anthracite sunburst dial with crisp white stylized Arabic numerals, it is a piece that fuses historic design with contemporary refinement. The presence of a ruby cabochon—a signature marker of Cartier’s platinum timepieces—adds a final flourish of opulence.
Making its auction debut and offered with its complete suite of original accessories, this exceptional NSO Tank Asymétrique is a testament to both the visionary spirit of Cartier and the discerning taste of the collector who commissioned it. It is a rare opportunity to acquire a watch that speaks equally to design connoisseurship and Cartier’s enduring tradition of bespoke excellence.
PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER
Cartier
FrenchWith 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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