Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2002
    Reference No: 1734
    Case No: GC11618
    Model Name: Tank Americaine
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 430 MC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 45mm length x 26.5 width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Cartier La Croisette Cannes France, dated 8th December 2002, red folder, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Cartier has always been associated with exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs that have for a century attracted royalty, movie stars, sports celebrities and everyday clientele. Their jewelry and timepieces became recognizable in the market, and one of the most innovative wristwatches was the “Tank”. Introduced in 1917, the design took its inspiration from the top view of the very first Renault military tank vehicle deployed that same year.

    Today, it has become an icon in haute horlogerie for its classic design and wearability. Over the ensuing 100 years, the basic foundation of the watch has remained the same, but with changing fashions and styles, so too did the Tank watch. In 1921, Cartier introduced the Tank Cintrée a long slender wristwatch with gracefully arching case that measured a dramatic 46mm long by 23mm wide. The design broke the mold for the typical round watch. In 1989, Cartier updated the elegance of the Cintrée with the release of the Tank Americaine, a modern wristwatch with stronger, more masculine dimensions than the Cintrée. A milestone in the evolution of the Tank, the Tank Americaine was the very first curved Tank watch from Cartier to be designed with a water resistant case.

    The present example is cased in platinum fitted with a white guilloché dial that displays Cartier’s traditional Roman numerals and secret signature at the 7 o’clock. Accompanied by its original certificate and accessories, this is an exciting opportunity for all collectors to own a noteworthy variant of the famous Tank that has been worn by kings, queens, and the Hollywood elite for decades.

  • 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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971

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1734
A fine and attractive oversized platinum rectangular-shaped wristwatch with certificate and presentation box

Circa 2002
45mm length x 26.5 width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€9,400-18,800
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$127,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023