Cartier

• tonneau nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • white matte dial, Roman numerals, inner minute tracking, blued steel sword hands • platinum elongated rectangular case, cabochon-set crown, case back secured by four screws in the band • case hand-stamped with Cartier numbers, dial and movement signed • with a platinum brick-link bracelet and gold deployant clasp  

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. It should be noted that the movement, which was supplied by LeCoultre, is numbered 837136. Because this number does not match the number 229679, which is presumably the original movement number, it can be assumed that the current movement was later replaced by Cartier. Due to the style of the anti-shock device, it can be assumed that this replacement was made by the mid-1940s. The dial shows some light spotting and aging, and some of the numerals have faded slightly. The width is 15mm. The case, the bezel in particular, bears some scuffs from wear and the bracelet is stretched. Although the bracelet is not stamped, it is identical to the one shown in the book, Cartier: The Tank Watch.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The exaggerated and elegant Tank Allongée was a daring re-interpretation of the classic Tank shape, its closest relative in the Tank family being the Tank Louis Cartier.

In Cartier: The Tank Watch, Franco Cologni describes the Tank Allongée as 'far and away the most categorical assertion of the rectangular form ever produced by Cartier, and in fact in the history of watch design.'

For an example of the Tank Allongée on an identical bracelet, see Cologni, p. 200.