Cartier
Parisian Jeweller, Cartier, is known to have made some of the most captivating watches by integrating fascinating shapes within cases, challenging the usual status quo of classical round watches. One of Cartier’s most iconic collections is the Tank and was originally designed by Louis-Joseph Cartier, the grandson of Louis-François Cartier, in 1917. The inspiration behind such a bold design is thought to have come from the Renault FT-17 tank, according to various sources the initial prototype was donated to General John Pershing the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during WWI. The visionary, Louis Cartier, was able to ensure that Cartier’s were somewhat instantly recognisable through a consistent design code in the form of the railway style minute track, roman numerals, blue steel Breguet hands and the cabochon-cut sapphire crown.
It is important to highlight the significance of Edmond Jaeger who was instrumental in Cartier’s success. Thanks to Jaeger’s ingenuity, wristwatches were able to flourish, as he understood the importance of compressing calibres. The partnership between Louis Cartier and Edmond Jaeger dates back to 1907, according to Francesca Cartier Brickell, a direct descendent of Louis-François Cartier and the Author of The Cartier’s, the partnership gave Cartier a fourteen-year exclusivity on the movements produced by LeCoultre in Switzerland. It is estimated that by 1919 Cartier only produced 6 Tanks and gradually ramped up production to 100 pieces per annum by the mid to late1920’s. As the economy stymied, the Wall Street Crash of 1929, took centre stage and caused Cartier (amongst others) great difficulty. As a result, Cartier attempted to increase their sales by revamping their offering as a result the Tank à Guichet was introduced.
The Tank à Guichets was originally introduced in 1928 and undoubtedly inspired by the Tank Louis Cartier. The case mimics that of the Tank Louis Cartier although the majority of the dial is covered by a sheet of brushed gold. The two small Guichets (French for Windows) are used to tell the time, the upper window is used for the jumping hours and the lower scale is used for the minutes. The early Tank Guichets are thought to be exceptionally rare. The reference was largely nonexistent in Cartier’s catalogue up until 1996, whereby Cartier released a total of six Tank à Guichets split across three platinum and three yellow gold examples, they are easily distinguishable due to the unique positioning of the crown at 12 o’clock. In rather quick succession, Cartier reintroduced a platinum limited edition of 150 examples for their 150th Anniversary in 1997, the cabochon-cut crown is now placed at 3 o’clock.
This example of the Tank à Guichet was originally introduced in 2006 and is limited to 100 examples, it marks one of the rare occasions whereby the rose gold variant is rarer than its platinum equivalent. The 18-carat rose gold case measures 27.5 mm. x 40 mm and sports the traditional cabochon-cut crown at 3 o’clock. Most case backs on the CPCP collection, apart from the platinum variants, feature sapphire case backs, however, the Tank à Guichet does not feature an open case back on any of its variants. The solid rose gold case back is signed Cartier, Mécanique, water-resistant, followed by the four traditional all marks and Swiss made.
The Tank Guichet is powered by a manual wound 9752 MC, based on a Piaget ébauche, more specifically the 430P. The movement is revered for its thinness measuring just 2.1mm in height and features a respectable power reserve of roughly 40 hours.
Brands: | Cartier |
Size: | 39mm |
Style: | Casual, Dress |
Parisian Jeweller, Cartier, is known to have made some of the most captivating watches by integrating fascinating shapes within cases, challenging the usual status quo of classical round watches. One of Cartier’s most iconic collections is the Tank and was originally designed by Louis-Joseph Cartier, the grandson of Louis-François Cartier, in 1917. The inspiration behind such a bold design is thought to have come from the Renault FT-17 tank, according to various sources the initial prototype was donated to General John Pershing the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during WWI. The visionary, Louis Cartier, was able to ensure that Cartier’s were somewhat instantly recognisable through a consistent design code in the form of the railway style minute track, roman numerals, blue steel Breguet hands and the cabochon-cut sapphire crown.
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