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Cartier

Tank Basculante

A fine and attractive rectangular yellow gold “basculante” wristwatch with certificate of international warranty and fitted case

Estimate
CHF15,000–30,000
€16,100–32,100
$18,600–37,100
Starting Bid
CHF15,000
Starting Bid
CHF15,000
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
Circa 1991
Case No
A106683, caseback further engraved 020-91
Model Name
Tank Basculante
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, 19 jewels
Clasp/Buckle
18k yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions
23mm width and 30mm length
Signed
Case, dial and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of International Warranty, resellers booklet, product literature, fitted case and outer packaging.
Read Conditions of Sale
- The present Cartier Basculante is one of the first production examples from around 1991, crafted in yellow gold and instantly recognizable by its sapphire crystal positioned on the underside of the case, a detail found only on these early models.

- With its slimmer proportions and elegant lines, it remains very close in spirit to the original 1930s Basculante designs and represents one of the most refined versions of this iconic reversible Cartier model.

- The elegant silvered dial features a subtle guilloché pattern that gives it a beautiful sense of depth and character, while maintaining the understated elegance typical of Cartier. The compact dimensions suit the watch perfectly, allowing the curved case and reversible design to remain the true focus of the piece.

- Accompanied by its original accessories, including its beautiful Cartier deployment clasp and original box, this watch presents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly desirable early example of the Tank Basculante.

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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