Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2005
    Reference No: 2685G
    Case No: 0063CE
    Model Name: Collection Privée Cartier Paris Tank Chinoise
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 437MC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm length x 30.5mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Timeless design is truly a forte of Cartier, and the Tank Chinoise CPCP exemplifies this beautifully. Originally conceived in 1922, nearly a century ago, this design reflects the maison’s early days when Louis Cartier traveled extensively to seek inspiration from the exotic and mysterious “Far East”. Drawing from architecture, artworks, and chinoiseries, East Asian art significantly influenced Cartier during the mid-18th century. This cultural exchange gave rise to a new breed of Cartier Tank—the Tank Chinoise.

    The square shape is a fundamental element in Chinese culture, symbolizing the earth and balance. The design of the Tank Chinoise, characterized by its iconic two bold brancards, has remained largely unchanged over the past century.

    The present Tank Chinoise CPCP celebrates this exceptional creation by honoring its original design while incorporating a modern touch. Reintroduced during the Collection Privée era, which began in 1998, this edition was exclusively produced for three years, from 2005 to 2008, and was available in two precious metals: pink gold and platinum. Maintaining the same silhouette as its 1922 predecessor, this modern iteration is encased in noble platinum. The dial features the “Cartier Paris” signature above an exquisite guilloché surface that radiates from the iconic CPCP rosette motif at its center.

    Boasting all the distinctive elements of the CPCP collection, the Tank Chinoise is an essential piece for any Cartier collector.

  • 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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Σ890

Ref. 2685G
A rare and elegant square-shaped platinum wristwatch with guilloché dial and presentation box

Circa 2005
37mm length x 30.5mm width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$95,000 - 200,000 
€11,100-23,400
$12,200-25,600

Sold for HK$228,600

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024