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 Cartier’s re-introduction of the Tank à Guichet earlier this year, the maison reaffirmed the enduring relevance of this daring design nearly a century after its debut. The 1997 anniversary edition serves as a bridge between past and present—honoring the radical spirit of the original while anticipating its modern revival. Produced in an exceptionally limited series and seldom seen at auction, the present example is notably the second ever manufactured. It stands as a testament not only to Cartier’s mastery of form and mechanics, but also to the maison’s enduring ability to reinvent an icon for successive generations of collectors.