Cartier - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: 2010
    Reference No: 2485 E
    Case No: 0042 MG
    Model Name: Tank à Vis
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 437MC, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 27mm. Width and 39mm. Length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier fitted presentation box, Certificate dated 20 March 2010 and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch, a Tank à Vis, is cased in platinum which gives a very modern update to the robust water resistant wristwatch. A variant of the iconic Tank model, this example features an attractive guilloché dial and Breguet-style hands, which were made upon special order. It is furthermore fitted with four screws, which fits the sapphire crystal on the watch, enhancing its water resistant ability, hence its name Tank à Vis, or Tank with a Screw.

    The present watch was made upon special order, as confirmed by the original Certificate dated March 2010. Cartier has a reputation of being a world class and highly exclusive jeweler. As such, only their most distinguished and exclusive clientele had the privilege of commissioning special order pieces. Those who requested customized details were not often granted their wish. Thus, it is apparent that the gentleman whom commissioned the present watch was an important client who had a great eye for proportion and style.

  • Artist Biography

    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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141

Ref. 2485 E
A rare and unusual platinum wristwatch with guilloché dial, Breguet hands, fitted presentation box and original certificate, made upon special order

2010
27mm. Width and 39mm. Length
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,400-11,100
$7,900-11,900

Sold for CHF10,625

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017