WHY WE CURATED IT: There are many Cartier Tank shape variations across 107 years, but amongst them all, only one that goes beyond “just design” to actual structural functionality: the Basculante (aka Cabriolet depending on era). With a clever pivoting bracket architecture for flipping the watch to protect the glass/dial during sports (crystals were once fragile). First launched in 1932, a year after JLC’s Reverso debut. Some think Cartier copied JLC, but we think one year is hardly enough to “copy”, much less improve upon, start production, and begin marketing, distribution and retail. The flipping axis and mechanisms are entirely different, and executed with half the parts and half the thickness, with the bonus of an upright “desk clock” ability. These 90s re-interpretations were also the very first Tanks to ever be made in steel. The Cartier collecting world has been sweeping these up, as rumours of an impending modern re-release has been circulating for years but remain unmaterialized. A very collectible, uncommon Tank for connoisseurs!
CONDITION: 9.5/10, with barely any visible signs of use. If we didn’t manage to spot some light hairlines under magnification, we might have said this is “near NOS (New Old Stock)”. Original “Swiss-only” creamy dial is pristine along with the dial printing, hands and crystal. Caseback engravings deep and crisp. Two sets of aftermarket straps included, one used, one new, fitted with original Cartier pin buckle. Movement in excellent health and quartz-accurate.
WATER RESISTANCE: Assumed none, per vintage watches
STRAP: New black aftermarket croc-embossed strap, used black aftermarket alligator strap, original Cartier buckle (14mm)
CALIBRE: Cartier Cal. 059, 2-hander quartz
COMES WITH: Watch, new aftermarket strap, used aftermarket strap, Cartier buckle, Cartier box, instruction manual and booklet, original Cartier warranty certificate
TERMS OF SALE: Please read our “Terms of service” below. Thanks!
