Cartier - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: 1998
    Reference No: 2302 W51001Q3
    Case No: BB25233
    Model Name: Tank Française Chronoflex
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Quartz
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Cartier ladder bracelet, stamped CCCH, max length approximately 220mm length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Cartier double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm length x 28mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Caseback additionally engraved “To J.G. Love Forever. 8.17.98”
    Accessories: Accompanied by a signed letter from Gigi Garner.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Following the introduction of the Santos in 1911, in 1917 Cartier introduced what would become the cornerstone of its wristwatch collection for the next century – and beyond. The inspiration for the Tank’s ground-breaking design came from the top view of the very first Renault military tank vehicle deployed that same year. The first “Tank” wristwatch – a prototype - would go to the American General John J. Pershing in 1918, with production of the first six pieces in 1919. It’s classic styling of bold Roman numerals, sword hands, “chemin de fer” chapter ring, and sapphire cabochon crown was an instant success, with many celebrities and noted figures of the 20th and 21st centuries choosing the Tank as their wrist companion of choice.

    The Tank Française was introduced in 1996, following the Tank Americaine in 1989, as the first Tank to be born with an integrated bracelet. The bracelet was designed to resemble the caterpillar tracks of WWI tanks, with flatter brancards on the sides of the case. Offered in stainless steel, mixed metals, or full yellow gold, as well as with or without a bracelet and in a variety of sizes for men and women, it gave a variety of options to a demanding public, and remains in Cartier’s catalogue to this day. The chronograph version offered here is powered by the Piaget-based Chronoflex quartz caliber.

    This particular Tank Française Chronoflex, owned and worn by the American actor, James Garner. Engraved on the caseback “To J.G. Love Forever. 8.17.98” and given to Mr. Garner by his wife on the occasion of their 42nd wedding anniversary, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the James Garner Animal Rescue Fund.

    PROPERTY OF THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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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21

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 2302 W51001Q3
A well-preserved and elegant stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date and bracelet, formerly worn and owned by James Garner, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the James Garner Animal Rescue Fund

1998
36mm length x 28mm width
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Caseback additionally engraved “To J.G. Love Forever. 8.17.98”

Estimate
$1,000 - 2,000 
CHF1,000-2,000
€960-1,900
HK$7,800-15,700
S$1,400-2,800

Sold for $5,292

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022