Cartier, London

In the annals of horological history, few timepieces have captured the imagination and epitomised elegance quite like the Cartier Tank Cintrée. Born from the crucible of innovation and design, this iconic watch stands as a testament to Cartier's relentless pursuit of excellence and its ability to redefine the boundaries of watchmaking.

In the wake of the First World War, a seismic shift was underway in the world of design. Inspired by the armored vehicles that roamed the battlefields, Louis Cartier conceived the Tank in 1917—a revolutionary timepiece that embodied the spirit of modernity and sophistication. Yet, it was four years later, in 1921, that the Tank Cintrée made its debut, signaling a new chapter in Cartier's storied legacy.

The Tank Cintrée was a triumph of form and function, marrying the ergonomic curved case profile of the Tonneau with the sleek lines of the Tank's brancards. This fusion of design elements resulted in a watch that was both timeless and avant-garde, a symbol of Cartier's ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.

Under the creative direction of Jacques Cartier, the Cartier London workshop emerged as a bastion of experimentation and boldness. While Paris and New York held their own in the world of luxury, it was London that pushed the boundaries, daring to challenge the status quo of watchmaking culture. Here, larger case sizes and unconventional designs flourished, defying convention and captivating the imagination of connoisseurs worldwide. In particular with exploring exaggerated forms, this London Cintree exhibits a particularly curved case.

The present watch, a larger iteration of the Tank Cintrée produced in London during the late 1960s, is a testament to this spirit of innovation. Eschewing the traditional railroad minute track, it embraces a dial layout that is at once free-spirited and sophisticated. The exaggerated Roman numerals, strategically placed, evoke a sense of whimsy and elegance, inviting the wearer into a world of timeless sophistication.

A similar example was sold in Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches, Part I in November 2021, Lot 18, sale number GE2104.