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183

Cartier

Ref. W1519551

Parallélogramme/Tank Asymétrique

A highly rare, surprising and attractive asymmetric wristwatch with original certificate and presentation box, number 227 of a 300 pieces limited edition

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000
$30,000 - 60,100
€30,900 - 61,800
CHF69,300
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
1996
Reference No
W1519551
Case No
A113480227 and 227/300
Model Name
Parallélogramme/Tank Asymétrique
Material
18K yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 9P2, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions
23mm Width and 40mm overall Length
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by undated Cartier Certificat de Garantie Internationale stamped by Italian retailer "Fasoli", limited edition Certificate, product literature, red document holder, fitted presentation box and numbered outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
In 1996, Cartier re-discovered a 1936 design with the launch of the Tank Asymétrique in two limited editions: platinum and yellow gold. Closely based on the unusual design of the Parallélogramme, the watch is an ode to the core values of the company. Over the years, Cartier has constantly innovated by pushing the boundaries of design and form, particularly in the first part of the 20th century. The tilted architecture of this piece had the practical goal of increasing legibility while at the wheel. The strife for legibility is apparent also in the large, easily readable Arabic numerals.

The 1996 Tank Asymétrique in yellow gold was produced as a numbered limited edition with 300, of which the present watch is number 227. Preserved in excellent, unpolished condition and accompanied by its original certificate, product literature and presentation box, it represents an elusive opportunity for those who seek unbridled design beauty.

The desirability of model has not abated over the years, if anything it increased. Testament to that is the fact that Cartier launched a new interpretation of the Tank Asymétrique in its 2020 releases, which was immediately sold out.

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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