60
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0365
Tank Asymétrique “NSO”
A possibly unique and striking asymmetric yellow gold wristwatch with special order black dial, warranty, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• “New Special Order” commission
• Most probably unique black dial with vintage-inspired layout
• Specially requested olive green sapphire cabochon
• Offered by the original owner with its complete set of accessories
Often regarded as the “King of Shapes,” Cartier has created some of the most recognizable and enduring watch designs of the 20th century. Among its most daring is the Tank Asymétrique, first introduced in 1936 as the Parallélogramme. A radical reinterpretation of the classic Tank, its case and dial were rotated 30 degrees, creating the distinctive diagonal silhouette that remains instantly recognizable today.
Reissued only sparingly over the decades, the Tank Asymétrique has become one of Cartier’s most coveted shaped watches, standing alongside the Cintrée, Crash and Baignoire Allongée as a cornerstone of the maison’s design legacy.
The present, very likely unique example was individually commissioned through Cartier’s now-paused New Special Order (NSO) program. Housed in yellow gold, it features a striking black dial with raised gold numerals and Breguet-style hands, its design specifically inspired by vintage Tank Asymétrique dials from the 1930s. Particularly unusual is the specially requested olive green sapphire cabochon, a rarely seen detail that provides a subtle contrast against the yellow gold case.
Consigned by its original owner and accompanied by its complete suite of original accessories, the present watch combines one of Cartier’s most celebrated historic designs with the rarity and individuality of a bespoke NSO commission.
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.