Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2012 Reference No: W51001Q3 Case No: 2303, 194602BB Model Name: Tank Française Chrono Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Quartz, cal. 212P, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Cartier bracelet, max length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 30mm length x 25mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate dated 7th September 2012 stamped Les Ambassaduers Lugano, CD, instruction manual and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The present timepiece features a chronograph complication with date encased in Cartier’s iconic Tank Française rectangular-shaped stainless steel case. Powered by Quartz cal. 212P, the practicality of the present wristwatch is further heightened. Offered with minimal signs of wear, the present Cartier Chrono Flex wristwatch from circa 2012 is accompanied by its full set of accessories.
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.