Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 1997 Case No: 007/150 Model Name: Tank à Guichets Collection Collection Privée Cartier Paris Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 9752 MC, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Dimensions: 25.5mm width x 37mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier service papers dated 2017, blank Cartier certificate booklet, CPCP information booklet, CPCP fitted presentation box, and outer box. Further accompanied by a Cartier accessories kit containing a suede travel case, polishing cloth, wooden loupe, and additional strap.
Catalogue Essay
The Tank à Guichets wristwatch introduced in 1928 marked a significant departure from traditional timepiece designs of its era, embracing the avant-garde aesthetics of the Art Deco movement. Its distinctive jumping hours mechanism and minutes aperture at 6 o'clock set it apart as a masterpiece of both form and function. The term "à Guichets" denotes the French translation of apertures, within which the hour "jumps" as time progresses, adding to its allure and sophistication.
Commemorating their 150th anniversary, Cartier's limited edition Tank à Guichets, released in 1997, pays homage to this iconic timepiece while infusing it with contemporary craftsmanship and luxury. With only 150 examples produced, each watch becomes a coveted collector's item, embodying the timeless elegance and sophistication synonymous with the Cartier brand. Crafted from platinum and adorned with a faceted ruby cabochon crown, this anniversary edition exudes opulence and refinement.
With the auspicious number 007, this example of the Tank à Guichets was formerly in the collection of beloved Cartier expert George Cramer, as evidenced by the service paperwork that accompanies the watch. Sadly, he passed away in 2023 after a period of illness. It is particularly poignant to offer this timepiece once owned by a devotee of the brand and member of the international watch community.
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.
A very attractive and rare limited edition platinum wristwatch with jumping hours, guarantee, and presentation box, made to commemorate Cartier’s 150th anniversary and numbered 007 of 150 pieces
1997 25.5mm width x 37mm length Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
