955Σ

Cartier

Ref. 2685

Tank Chinoise

A rare and elegant platinum and diamond-set square-shaped wristwatch with certificate and presentation box

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000
€13,500 - 22,500
$15,400 - 25,600
HK$139,700
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
Circa 2000s
Reference No
2685
Case No
18571CE
Model Name
Tank Chinoise
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. 437MC, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions
37mm length x 30.5mm width
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by undated Cartier certificate stamped Al Ahram Cairo, Egypt, blank certificate of origin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

Catalogue Essay

Timeless design is a hallmark of Cartier, and the Tank Chinoise exemplifies this beautifully. Originally conceived in 1922, nearly a century ago, this design reflects the maison’s early days when Louis Cartier traveled extensively to draw inspiration from the exotic and mysterious “Far East”. Influenced by architecture, artworks, and chinoiseries, East Asian art significantly shaped Cartier's vision during the mid-18th century, leading to the creation of a new variant of the Tank—the Tank Chinoise.

The square shape is a fundamental element in Chinese culture, symbolizing the earth and balance. The design of the Tank Chinoise, characterized by its iconic bold brancards, has remained largely unchanged over the past century.

The present Tank Chinoise celebrates this exceptional creation by honoring its original design while incorporating a modern and glamorous touch. Adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds on both sides of the bezel and the lugs, it elevates the watch to a new level of elegance. Maintaining the same silhouette as its 1922 predecessor, this modern iteration is encased in noble platinum.

Complete with its full set of accessories, including a certificate and presentation box, this Tank Chinoise is a classic and elegant piece for any Cartier collector.

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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