Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2004 Reference No: W153335 Movement No: 082C Case No: 082/100, 2380C Model Name: Tank Obus Skeleton CPCP Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 435 MC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier folding clasp Dimensions: 26.2mm length x 26.2mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Cartier Ginza Tokyo dated 22nd June 2004, collection prive certificate, instruction manual, product literature, original invoice, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
First introduced in the 1920s, the Cartier Tank Obus features a square-shaped case with bullet-shaped lugs, hence “Obus” meaning “shell” in French to contrast against its solid Angular lines. In 1998, Cartier launched the CPCP programme which was their high horology program featuring a variety of models under the prestigious umbrella, usually limited editions. Among them all is the present Tank Obus Skeleton in yellow gold featuring a fully skeletonized movement with hand engraved bridges and plates. A stunning example and limited to only 100 pieces, the present example from circa 2004 is offered with its full set of accessories and preserved in “like new” overall condition.
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.
Ref. W153335 A fine and rare limited edition yellow gold skeletonised rectangular-shaped wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 82 of a limited edition of 100 pieces
Circa 2004 26.2mm length x 26.2mm width Case, dial, movement and clasp signed