1007Σ︎
Cartier
Ref. 1741
Tank Americaine “Teatro alla Scala”
A very rare and harmonious limited edition white gold wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 007 of a limited edition of 150 pieces made to commemorate the reopening of the Teatro alla Scala Milano opera house
Full-Cataloguing
- Made to celebrate the re-opening of Teatro alla Scala opera house in Milan
- Numbered 007/150 of a limited edition
- 5th example to appear in the auction market
Music lovers, take note: this is an exceptionally rare Cartier Tank Américaine created as a heartfelt tribute to one of the world’s greatest temples of opera. In 2004, after two years of meticulous renovation, the legendary Teatro alla Scala in Milan reopened its doors. To mark the occasion, Cartier produced two limited editions of just 150 pieces each in 18k white gold (Ref. 1741 Automatic calibre and Ref. 2489 powered by quartz calibre), celebrating an institution inaugurated in 1778.
This particular example is number 007/150, a designation that will inevitably bring a smile to anyone who has ever felt their pulse quicken at the opening bars of a John Barry James Bond score. The dial's off white surface is finished with a radiant pattern that seems to ripple outward like sound waves and lines of a musical score. Black Roman numerals curve gracefully along the elongated case, and at 8 o’clock a discreet treble clef replaces the usual marker as an elegant, understated nod to La Scala’s operatic soul. The refined black-and-white palette of the dial itself recalls the timeless elegance of the gentlemen in evening dress who have filled La Scala’s boxes for generations.
A true collector’s treasure and accompanied with its numbered certificate and special commemorative plate to support young artist of the Academy of Arts, this is the 5th example to appear in the auction market.
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.