Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2020
    Reference No: WHTA0012, 4226
    Case No: 006/100
    Model Name: Tank Asymétrique, Cartier Privé
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9623 MC, 22 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Cartier pin buckle
    Dimensions: 47mm length x 26mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier undated warranty card, blank Cartier certificate, additional Cartier black crocodile strap, instruction manual, red folder, loupe, hang tag, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    As the epitome of elegance, Cartier has consistently been at the forefront of design aesthetics in the world of timepieces since the early 20th century. The Tank collection, which made its debut in 1917, has undergone captivating transformations over the years. Variations such as the Tank Louis Cartier, Tank Chinoise, Tank Cintree, Tank Obus, and Tank Etanché, to name a few, have all contributed to its rich lineage. However, it is the Tank Asymétrique, with its distinctive parallelogram-shaped design introduced in 1936, that truly stands out from the pack.

    Each timepiece in this collection is a fusion of history, artistry, and craftsmanship, ensuring that Cartier's legacy endures through generations of watch connoisseurs. Interestingly, the Tank Asymétrique has evolved over time, with the middle lug being removed and later reintroduced in the CPCP version in 2006. Whilst retaining the same 30-degree offset as the numerals on its asymmetrical dial, the current series with a skeletonized dial was introduced in 2020 as part of the Privé Cartier Collection. The lacquer-filled Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o'clock are framed by the dial's bridges, serving as hour markers and offering a glimpse of the in-house 9623 MC movement that beats within.

    Limited to only 100 pieces in platinum, the current watch bears the number 006 and is accompanied by its full set of accessories. Preserved in excellent condition, this skeletonized Tank Asymétrique represents a truly exceptional release from Cartier that is poised to become highly sought after and collectible in the years to come.

  • 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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Σ994

Ref. WHTA0012, 4226
A rare and attractive limited edition platinum skeletonized asymmetrical wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 6 of a limited edition of 100 pieces

Circa 2020
47mm length x 26mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€24,000-48,000
$25,600-51,300

Sold for HK$482,600

Contact Specialist

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

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024