Cartier - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: 1931
    Case No: 05’940 and Cartier hand stamped numbers 32’685 and 25’535
    Model Name: Tank à Guichet
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier folding deployant buckle stamped 9804
    Dimensions: 25mm width and 37mm length
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Authenticity dated 2 October 2006 confirming production of the present watch in 1931.
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in Cartier The Tank Wristwatch by Franco Cologni, pages 206 and 207.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In late 1929, stock markets failed due to speculation and market over expansion. While millions of lives were impacted, there was a segment of society that maintained a luxury lifestyle. The Tank à Guichet was first released in 1928, evolving from the first Tank model of 1917. The watch was a modern masterwork of design, where less is more. Gone are the hands, and in their place ‘guichets’ – apertures – for the hours and minutes. The progressive case was pared down, creating a spartan, yet sophisticated and masculine watch – and an icon of minimalist design and technology. Cartier reworked the style, releasing multiple configurations of the Tank à Guichet, sometimes with the crown at either the 12 and 3 o’clock positions, and the minute aperture at either the 12 or 6 o’clock positions. The present, possibly unique example from 1931 is exceptional. The case is remarkably well-preserved having survived in totally original and unpolished condition, exhibiting signs of careful wear over its remarkable, 86-year life. This watch will add a dimension of grace, elegance, and sophistication for the collection of a gentleman of taste.

  • 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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31

A possibly unique and highly attractive yellow gold rectangular jump hour wristwatch with movement by European Watch and Clock Co.

1931
Case signed and stamped with Cartier numbers, movement signed European Watch and Clock Co.
25mm width and 37mm length

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF48,700-97,400
€42,600-85,200
HK$390,000-781,000

Sold for $131,250

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017