Manufacturer: Cartier Year: circa 1970 Case No: 031'725 Model Name: Tank Cintré Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 78-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold bracelet, max length 180mm. Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp Dimensions: 45mm. Length, 23mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
Since the late 1920s, the Tank Cintrée was the largest member of the tank family.
The present example has to be dated to the 1970s, and is probably one of very few finished in white gold with a matching five row satin finished Cartier bracelet.
Produced in yellow gold, white gold and platinum, Cartier’s Tank Cintrée has seen multiple enhancements with small subtle changes to details in order to keep in sync with society’s tastes. Nearly 90 years later, it must be regarded as the most beautiful rectangular wristwatch made for a man’s wrist.
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.