Cartier - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: 2023
    Reference No: WGTA0120
    Case No: 254927DY
    Model Name: Tank Asymétrique “Fifth Avenue”
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1917MC, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Cartier pin buckle
    Dimensions: 26mm width x 48mm length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Cartier Certificate, Guarantee Card, large folio, receipt of purchase, additional short crocodile strap with velvet pouch, Cartier presentation boxes and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1936, the Cartier Tank Asymétrique, originally called the Parallélogramme, emerged during a highly innovative era when La Maison was experimenting with bold case designs and unique forms. A creative twist on the classic Tank model, the Tank Asymétrique featured a case and dial rotated by 30 degrees, while still allowing it to sit flat on the wrist. The design was a perfect embodiment of Cartier's 20th-century design philosophy, showcasing the brand's continuous push to redefine form and aesthetics. It stands alongside legendary models such as the Tank Cintrée, Crash, Cloche, and Baignoire, all of which are integral to Cartier's illustrious history.

    Exclusively available at the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion in New York, the present lot was released in a limited series of 24 pieces, reserved only for the boutique's best clients. Housed in the noblest metal, platinum, the watch showcases a blue dial with a radial texture, reminiscent of fireworks against the night sky. Paying tribute to the Fifth Avenue Mansion, the watch features a uniquely designed dial that displays only the odd numbers in Arabic numerals, with the 5 o'clock position marked as "5th," symbolizing Fifth Avenue. The even numbers on the dial are rendered in a lighter shade of blue, creating a perfect harmony that complements the overall design. The back of the watch features a unique laser-engraved emblem dedicated to the New York Mansion.

    With the growing demand for asymmetrical watches, this timepiece is an ideal choice for serious Cartier collectors who appreciate the brand's rich history with shapes, combined with a subtle, “if-you-know-you-know” element for added exclusivity.

    PROPERTY 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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Ref. WGTA0120
A virtually unworn, extremely rare, and attractive limited edition platinum asymmetrical wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, made for the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion

2023
26mm width x 48mm length
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF26,400-52,800
€28,100-56,200
HK$233,000-466,000

Sold for $60,960

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024