Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1970 Case No: 031379 61432 and Cartier hand stamped numbers 27840 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels per movement Bracelet/Strap: Lizard Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 20mm. Width and 40mm. Length Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
This variation of the "Tank" wristwatch is an incredibly unusual model. An elegant piece for any traveller, the watch features a dual time zone function. Fitted with two dials and two LeCoultre movements, the watch also has two crowns to adjust each time zone separately, allowing the traveler to adjust to the local time zone.
This example is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp hallmarks and gold marks on the case. Sold at Cartier Paris, the watch is furthermore stamped with Cartier hand stamped numbers.
Cartier is particularly gifted at conceiving the most unusual and avant-garde designs of the period, and the present watch really showcases the firm's eye for style. The clean, smooth lines of the case no doubt inspired the Louis Cartier dual time wristwatch in the modern, and very collectible "Collection Privée, Cartier Paris" series.
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.