Cartier - Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches Hong Kong Thursday, May 25, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 1998
    Reference No: 1734
    Case No: 16/30
    Model Name: Tank Américaine
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 430 MC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm length x 27mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Cartier has always been associated with exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs, having dazzled both the glitterati and horological world alike with its style, flair and creativity. The Tank Américaine was launched in 1989 for the American market and was the first curved Tank watch with a water-resistant case.

    In 1998, Cartier introduced a very special and limited edition model of the Tank Américaine, honouring the 150th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation (founded as a federal state on September 12th, 1848). This rare edition was released in yellow gold (50 pieces, silver dial) and platinum (30 pieces, salmon dial), featuring a distinctive Swiss flag decoration at center of the dial.

    The present Tank Américaine ref. 1734 in platinum is numbered 16 of the 30 pieces limited edition with an elegant dimension suited for both men and woman. Sporting an attractive salmon dial with printed Roman numerals in contrasting black inspired by its vintage precedent, the Tank Cintrée, the present timepiece perfectly encapsulates the Cartier ethos with its elegant curved case and brushed finishes. The caseback is further engraved ‘150 Years Swiss Confederation, A Limited Edition for Switzerland’ with a matching coat of arms and Swiss cross.

    Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its original presentation box, the present ref. 1734 is an eye-catching and extraordinary timepiece for any occasion.

  • 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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Σ337

Ref. 1734
A very fine and rare limited edition platinum wristwatch with salmon dial and presentation box, numbered 16 of a limited edition of 30 pieces made for the 150th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation

Circa 1998
37mm length x 27mm width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€11,700-23,500
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$165,100

Contact Specialist

Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
 

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches

Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023