Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1970 Movement No: 7733 Case No: 035'249 and 65'458 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 24mm Width and 33mm Length Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
While the term “Reverso” is most often associated with Jaeger LeCoultre, other brands had also used a similar case construction during the 20th century. In 1930, Cartier developed and patented a similar system and named it the “Cabriolet Reverso”, later known as the “Basculante”.
It was not until the 1970’s that Cartier introduced the Tank Reverso, like the present example. Bearing a Paris dial, it was most notably retailed at Cartier Paris. The case is furthermore preserved in spectacular condition with deep and crisp hallmarks. The case and clasp are stamped EJ for Edmond Jaeger, along with French gold marks.
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.