Live Auction 2753Important Watches
Cartier. An 18k Gold Rectangular Reversible Wristwatch
Lot 318

Cartier. An 18k Gold Rectangular Reversible Wristwatch

SIGNED CARTIER, FRANCE, TANK BASCULANTE MODEL, CASE AND MOVEMENT SIGNED EUROPEAN WATCH & CLOCK CO. INC., CASE NOS. 29684, 15365, AND 07967, CIRCA 1934

Closed17 December 2013

Price Realised

USD 18,750

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Cartier. An 18k Gold Rectangular Reversible Wristwatch
Signed Cartier, France, Tank Basculante Model, Case and Movement Signed European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., Case Nos. 29684, 15365, and 07967, Circa 1934
Mechanical movement, 18 jewels, cream enamel dial, black Roman numerals, inner railway minutes division, in rectangular case with the engraved back B.M.B. secured by four screws in the band, crown at 12 o'clock, pivoting lengthwise within a gold frame, all hinged into the plain backplate, case and movement signed by maker, case hand numbered, dial signed by retailer
37.5mm overall length

Specialist note

The "Cabriolet Reversible" or "Tank Basculante" model was introduced into the market in 1932. The main purpose of this system allowed the complete 360 degree rotation of the case around the horizontal axis, and would protect the crystal and consequently the dial during sporting activities. The case could also be propped up at night to serve as a small desk clock.

Its development was a joint collaboration between LeCoultre, Csar de Trey of Specialits Horlogers SA in Lausanne and Jaeger Paris, resulting in the patent for a watch in 1932 reserved for Cartier and known initially as "Cabriolet Reversible". The case pivoted lengthwise within an articulated frame and the integrated winding crown was placed at 12 o'clock.

A re-edition of this wristwatch was launched in the 1990s.
The model is illustrated and described in Cartier - The Tank Watch by Franco Cologni, pp. 97-100 & 214-215