Cartier - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2004
    Reference No: 2671
    Case No: 47/50
    Model Name: Tank Louis Cartier Squelette
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9710 MC, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38mm Length and 29mm Width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier red velvet pouch

  • Catalogue Essay

    Transparency has been an integral part of the French Maison’s style for decades, from the first mystery clocks created in 1912 to the skeletonised movements of the 1930s. Over the years Cartier has built a stunning collection of skeletonized watches, with the present watch is one of such examples.

    Part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP), which updated and modernized some of their most cherished and iconic designs, the Tank Louis Cartier Squelette was launched in 2004. A limited edition of 50 pieces, the model was based on the legendary design of the Tank that has made the brand so famous and sought after amongst collectors with a twist, showcasing a decorated movement, along with the intricate bridges and details throughout.

    The present watch is cased in platinum and equipped with a skeleton hand-wound movement calibre 9710 MC, comprising 153 components. With sapphire crystals front and back, one can admire the beautiful sunray finish on the bridges that can be found all throughout the movement with little hints of pink and black coming from the rubies, the wheels and blackened hands. For the final touch, a black cabochon has been added onto the winding crown finalising to perfection its monochromatic aesthetic. After winding the watch a few times, its wearer will be mesmerized by the movement of the balance like a heartbeat directly on the wrist.

    Numbered 47 out of 50, the present watch was one of the last examples to leave the manufacture. Offered in great overall condition, this Tank Louis Cartier Squelette will surely become a trophy to behold and wear to its new owner.

  • 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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114

Ref. 2671
A highly rare and exceptional limited edition skeletonized platinum wristwatch, numbered 47 of a limited edition of 50 pieces

Circa 2004
38mm Length and 29mm Width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€20,800-41,600
$22,800-45,700

Sold for CHF57,150

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023