Cartier - Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches Hong Kong Thursday, May 25, 2023 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2021
    Reference No: WGTA0044
    Case No: 4287, No. 89/100
    Model Name: Tank Asymétrique
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 1917 MC, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier pin buckle
    Dimensions: 47mm length x 26mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by unstamped Cartier international warranty dated 1st March 2021, purchase invoice stamped Richemont Korea Ltd, additional Cartier burgundy crocodile strap, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Making its important debut in 1936, the Tank Asymétrique was born amidst some of the most exciting times of watchmaking, especially for Cartier. The first half of the last century was when the Maison thrived on experimenting with exotic case designs, and the Tank Asymétrique is notably one of a handful that stood out for its distinctly distorted rectangular silhouette. The beautifully proportioned parallelogram dial design is something unique to the specific model where the time-display further complements its frame with an asymmetric layout.

    In 1996, before the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP) was established, a limited run of 300 pieces in yellow gold and 100 in platinum were released with the same alternating Arabic numerals and baton indexes as the original 1936 model. Under the CPCP collection, an updated variant was introduced in 2006 with 150 pieces in yellow gold, featuring updated lugs and a guilloche dial with applied black Roman numerals.

    Elegant, rare and highly coveted, the present example is part of a limited series that dropped in April 2020 via the online-only format of Watches & Wonders. Receiving much fanfare, this Tank Asymétrique release was offered in platinum, pink gold and yellow gold, like the present lot, with only 100 examples to be produced in each metal.

    Boasting a luscious yellow gold case, the present Tank Asymétrique is fitted with a striking sunburst champagne dial, topped with chocolate brown Arabic numerals and a signature cabochon sapphire crown. Preserved in stunning condition and accompanied by its original accessories, this exquisite example is certainly a must-have in any collection, especially with the recent soaring craze for fancy-shaped Cartier timepieces.

  • 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. 

    View More Works

PROPERTY FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER

Σ313

Ref. WGTA0044
A rare, fine and attractive limited edition yellow gold asymmetrical wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 89 of a limited edition of 100 pieces

Circa 2021
47mm length x 26mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€23,400-46,700
$25,600-51,300

Sold for HK$241,300

Contact Specialist

Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
 

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches

Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023