Cartier - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    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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183

Ref. W1519551
A highly rare, surprising and attractive asymmetric wristwatch with original certificate and presentation box, number 227 of a 300 pieces limited edition

1996
23mm Width and 40mm overall Length
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€30,900-61,800
$30,000-60,100

Sold for CHF69,300

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022