Cartier - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 1970
    Case No: 9'400
    Model Name: London Tank Divan
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant buckle stamped with English hallmarks
    Dimensions: 26mm width x 31mm length
    Signed: Case, dial signed Cartier; movement signed Jaeger LeCoultre, buckle stamped JC.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Cartier London presentation box and original Cartier black crocodile strap

  • Catalogue Essay

    Designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, the Tank watch stands as an enduring icon of modern horology. Its refined aesthetic, characterized by a perfect blend of geometry and harmony, has given the Tank its unmistakable identity. Instantly recognizable and perpetually contemporary, the Tank has been reimagined over the past century through countless variations, each remaining true to the spirit of the original. From the elegant curves of the Tank Cintrée to the exotic allure of the Tank Asymétrique, the Tank watch continues to epitomize sophisticated design.

    The present model, known as a Tank Divan, stands as yet another masterful reinterpretation of the iconic Tank watch, and it has never been publicly available until now. Fresh to the market, it remained unknown to collectors, with only a single example ever exhibited at Cartier’s prestigious “Geneva Rare Watches Exhibition.” This exclusive event showcased 35 vintage pieces from Cartier’s private museum archive, among which was a watch identical to the example offered here.

    Encased in an elongated rectangular case reminiscent of the Tank Louis, this timepiece features a hand-painted dial, typical of Cartier London creations from that era. Despite the propensity of such dials to develop cracks with age, this present piece has been preserved in exceptional condition, with the dial having acquired a beautiful cream patina over time. The watch was sold by Cartier London, as evidenced by the London hallmarks. The same hand-stamped numbers are visible on both the caseback and the inside of the original deployant buckle. The maker's mark "JC," signifying Jacques Cartier, is prominently displayed on the case and clasp, a mark seen on pieces crafted by Cartier London.

    Adding to its allure, the watch is accompanied by its original black crocodile strap and Cartier London Bond Street presentation box. Preserved in museum-quality condition – in a superior state of preservation to the example in Cartier’s own archives, this timepiece is certain to captivate the attention of vintage Cartier enthusiasts.

  • 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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A fresh-to-the-market and extremely rare yellow gold oblong “tank-style” wristwatch with original presentation box and strap; retailed by Cartier London

Circa 1970
26mm width x 31mm length
Case, dial signed Cartier; movement signed Jaeger LeCoultre, buckle stamped JC.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF17,700-35,300
€18,800-37,700
HK$156,000-311,000

Sold for $152,400

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