Important Watches

Cartier, London

Tank Normale | A yellow gold rectangular wristwatch with red numerals, Circa 1967-68

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

240,000 - 400,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, London

Tank Normale

A yellow gold rectangular wristwatch with red numerals, Circa 1967-68

Dial: cream dial signed Cartier in red text, red stretched radial Roman numerals, blued steel epée hands

Calibre: 9’’’ circular LeCoultre calibre K821 movement signed Cartier, damascened Côtes de Genève decoration, lever escapement, 18 jewels, annular balance with poising screws, flat hairspring, adjusted to temperatures and three positions

Movement number: numbered to back of main plate 1'665'952

Case: 18k yellow gold case, gold screw-set lug bars, gold case back secured by 4 screws to case sides, sapphire cabochon-set beaded crown

Case number: case top interior with hand etched numbers • 10688 •, outside case back with hand stamped London Stock numbers • 10688 • and London Reference No. 7716, inside case back with London hallmarks, date letter ‘m’ for 1967-68, [JC] Jacques Cartier punch mark and hand stamped numbers • 10688 •

Closure: black unsigned leather strap and 18k gold Cartier deployant buckle with London hallmarks, date letter ‘m’ for 1967-68, [JC] Jacques Cartier punch mark and hand stamped numbers 1'494

Size: 31 mm length x 22.5 mm width

Accessories: Cartier presentation box and travelling pouch

This watch with its unusual red numerals is believed to be from a group of ten specially commissioned Tank Normale wristwatches with red numerals comprising 5 ladies’ and 5 gentlemen’s examples that were intended as gifts for the commissioner’s close friends and family. The use of red numerals is unusual to find in vintage Cartier watches. Interestingly red- or burgundy-coloured numerals would later be used by Cartier within some of their anniversary models. In 1979 the groups which owned the Paris, London and New York branches of Cartier were merged to bring all three companies together under a single entity, named ‘Cartier World’. To celebrate this event, Cartier released a series of limited-edition wristwatch models.

Made in platinum, the models included the Baignoire, Ellipse, Santos, Tank LC, Tortue and Vendôme. In addition to their platinum cases, the watches had specially made dials with burgundy-coloured Roman numerals and ruby cabochon-set crowns. The use of burgundy numerals and ruby cabochons would be repeated with further, limited series of platinum watches released to mark other significant occasions at Cartier in the succeeding years. In 1997, Cartier produced a limited series of watches with red numerals to celebrate their 100th anniversary at Place Vendôme in Paris.

卡地亞倫敦

Tank Normale

黃金長方形腕錶，備紅色時標，約1967-68年製

附帶盒子及旅行袋子

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."