Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the legendary firm, from its beginnings, has been associated with exquisite craftsmanship and classic, sophisticated elegance. In 1904, Cartier created the world’s first mens’ wristwatch to incorporate integrated lugs for the renowned aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont. Following up on the success of this early timepiece, Cartier realized the Baignoire and Tortue in 1912, and in 1917 launched the revolutionary “Tank” wristwatch, which today is an icon of haute horlogerie.
The Asymétrique Tank first appeared in Cartier’s history in 1936 and was alternately called the “Losange” or “Parallélogramme”. In 1996, the brand released a limited edition Asymétrique Tank based on the original. The brand constantly innovates by pushing the boundaries of design and form, in particular during the early 20th century. The tilted form of the present lot was intended to make reading the time while driving easier. Cartier introduced their Privée Paris Collection (CPCP) in 1998 giving the brand an opportunity to update and modernise some of their most cherished, and iconic wristwatches. In 2006, under the CPCP collection, an updated Asymétrique was released with 150 pieces in yellow gold, featuring a jumbo-sized case with updated lugs and a guilloche dial with applied black Roman numerals. A few very limited iterations in platinum, as well as a commemorative model for the handoff of Macau to China were also produced during this time period.
Highly desirable and complete with all of its original accessories and guarantee, the present example is number 45 and remains in excellent overall condition. Cartier has long been associated with top names from industry, entertainment, royalty, and society. Their unique and now classic designs have been cherished by their clientele, and this is a rare opportunity to own a highly collectable and rare asymmetrical model.
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.
