82

Cartier

Tank Obus "Rectangulaire à Pattes Vis Armurier"

A rare and very fine white gold wristwatch with enamel bezel and presentation box

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000
€21,600 - 43,200
$24,500 - 49,000
CHF40,640
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
Circa 1990
Case No
A113046
Model Name
Tank Obus "Rectangulaire à Pattes Vis Armurier"
Material
18k white gold
Calibre
Manual
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18k white gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions
23mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Cartier presentation box.

Catalogue Essay

First introduced in 1923, the Cartier Tank Obus stands out as a bold departure from the traditional Tank design, offering a unique take on the iconic collection. Unlike the classic rectangular profile of the Tank, the Obus features a square case with distinctive bullet-shaped lugs—aptly named "Obus," meaning "shell" in French. These rounded lugs create a striking contrast against the sharp corners of the case, giving the watch its unmistakable character.

The present Rectangulaire à Pattes Vis Armurier showcases the Tank Obus' signature design with a modern twist. Crafted in white gold, it features faceted diamonds on the lug screws, a silver guilloché dial with chemin de fer and "Paris" signature, and a sleek black enamel bezel adorned with Roman numerals. Powered by a manual-wind movement, this elegant timepiece blends Cartier’s timeless sophistication with a contemporary edge. The caseback is inscribed with a "double eagle head's" hallmark, which indicates the case material to be determined as white gold; this hallmark was used in France from 1919 to 1994, further adding to its desirability. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this rare and captivating Cartier is a true collector’s piece, certain to draw admiration from enthusiasts of the Maison’s most distinctive designs.

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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