838
Cartier
Ref. 2390
Tank Basculante, Australian Federation 100th Anniversary
A highly rare and attractive limited edition stainless steel reversible wristwatch with blue dial, numbered 5 of a limited edition of 26 pieces made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Australian Federation
Full-Cataloguing
- Second example to appear in the auction market
- Number 5 of a limited edition of 26 pieces only
- Made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Australian Federation
A delightfully playful design that doubles as both a cabriolet and a desk clock, the Cartier Tank Basculante first appeared in 1932. It features a distinctive reversible rectangular case that pivots vertically to protect the dial when closed. Produced only in small numbers initially, the model was revived in the 1990s for standard (yet still limited) production, including pieces from the CPCP collection and the 150th anniversary edition powered by an ultra-thin F. Piguet calibre 610 modified as Cartier’s MC060.
The manual-wind mechanical versions enjoyed several special editions in stainless steel as ref. 2390, such as the Paris Boutique Edition with an open caseback, the Millennium Edition with its “Double M” dial and caseback engraved marking 1999/2000/2001, and rarest of all, the Australian Federation edition.
Extremely scarce, this is the lowest-production Basculante limited edition ever made. Only 26 pieces were created in 2001 to mark the 100th anniversary of Australian Federation (1901–2001). Each features a vibrant bright blue dial with silvered stars arranged in the Southern Cross constellation directly inspired by the Australian flag. Notably, this remains the only mechanical Basculante ever produced with a blue dial.
To date, only one example has appeared at auction numbered 14. Fresh-to-market and numbered 5 of 26, this is by far the earliest number to grace the public market.
This patriotic special edition stands out in the Cartier Tank Basculante family for its striking national-themed dial and extraordinary rarity, making it a true highlight for any serious collector of Cartier Tank watches.
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.