Cartier - Phillips Watches Online Au... Lot 8076 March 2025 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2004
    Reference No: W153335, 2380C
    Movement No: 085C
    Case No: 085/100
    Model Name: Tank Obus Skeleton CPCP
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 435 MC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 33.5mm length x 26.5mm width
    Signed: Case, crystal, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Peninsula Hong Kong dated 21st July 2004, collection privée certificate, instruction manual, red folder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - Originally debuting in 1929, the Cartier Tank Obus is celebrated for its departure from the traditional Tank aesthetic, featuring an unusual shape and styling. Unlike the iconic rectangular profile of the Tank, the Obus is a square timepiece distinguished by its unique bullet-shaped lugs—“Obus” translates to "shell" in French—contrasting sharply with its corners.

    - From 1998 to 2008, Cartier revisited their archives to create the highly sought-after CPCP (Collection Privée Cartier Paris) collection, reviving historic designs that had been dormant for years, including the Cintrée and the Tank Chinoise. However, the Tank Obus often flew under the radar, frequently overlooked by collectors. The current iteration offers a fresh perspective on this remarkable collection.

    - This Obus Skeleton is part of a limited edition run of just 100 pieces. It retains the signature Obus case shape, but boasts a striking skeletonized dial and movement, creating a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other Obus models with more traditional Cartier dials.

    - The exhibition caseback showcases the hand-engraved skeletonized bridges within its manual-wind movement, making this Obus one of the most stylistically unique Cartier models from the past few decades. Its rarity makes it an ideal acquisition for any watch collector, whether a Cartier devotee or a watchmaking enthusiast.

    - The present example from circa 2004 is offered with its full set of accessories and is well-preserved in excellent overall condition.

  • 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

8076

Ref. W153335, 2380C
A very well-preserved and rare limited edition yellow gold skeletonized square-shaped wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 85 of a limited edition of 100 pieces

Circa 2004
33.5mm length x 26.5mm width
Case, crystal, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€12,200-24,500
$12,800-25,600

Current bid HK$120,000
5 Bids

Please note that once you've placed your bid,
it cannot be cancelled.

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025

19 - 26 March 2025