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Property of a Japanese Collector

1035Σ

Cartier

Ref. 2488

Tank Asymétrique

A highly rare and attractive limited edition yellow gold asymmetric wristwatch with Arabic numerals, numbered 34 of a limited edition of 300 pieces

Estimate
HK$78,000 - 160,000
€8,600 - 17,700
$10,000 - 20,500
HK$381,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
1996
Reference No
2488
Case No
34/300, A 113287
Model Name
Tank Asymétrique
Material
18K yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 9P2, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions
23mm Width X 33mm Length
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
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 of 300 pieces, of which the present watch is number 34. Preserved in excellent, unpolished condition, 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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