Cartier Tank Basculante

In 1933, Cartier dared to reimagine the future of wristwatches by introducing the Tank Basculante. Built on the foundations of Louis Cartier’s original Tank design from 1917, the Basculante was more than just a timepiece – it was a technical marvel. Inspired by the demands of an active lifestyle, this unique watch featured a revolutionary pivoting case system, designed to protect its delicate glass and face during vigorous activities. Whether for a polo match or an evening gala, the wearer could simply flip the case to shield the watch from damage, combining elegance with rugged practicality.

The design of the Cartier Tank Basculante was Cartier’s answer to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and the growing need for versatility. The Basculante’s release came at the height of the Art Deco movement, so with its sleek lines and minimalist beauty, it truly captures the essence of that era. Today, the Basculante remains a symbol of classic luxury, cherished by collectors for its mechanical ingenuity and timeless charm, and even though it began as a practical solution for sportsmen, the Tank Basculante evolved into a symbol of refinement. It is now cherished for its distinctive watch-case and links to Cartier’s history and legacy of innovation; This model simply remains a favorite among collectors for its uniqueness and very limited production runs. The watch as seen here is in excellent condition and has been worn only rarely in recent years. The top of the case, the case-back, the pivoting system as well as the rest of the watch remain in a NOS condition, with no evidence of wear or damage; even part of the original case-back, factory sticker is still present on the watch. She’s worn on a navy blue, Cartier alligator strap, which closes around your wrist using the Basculante’s original Cartier “C” shaped pin buckle. The absolutely gorgeous, cream-coloured dial is beautifully decorated with Cartier’s well-known Guilloche finish and elegantly painted Roman numerals. The natural blue sapphire stone, mounted right above the vertical placed winding crown, remains spotless and damage-free and truly is the crown on top of the case. Fun Fact: when you keep the arms of the so-called cabriolet system extended in the upright position, the Tank Basculante can also be used as a desk clock.

The Cartier Tank Basculante stands as a testament to Cartier’s vision; where art meets function, and tradition meets modernity. She was fully serviced and will be delivered with our extensive 2 year warranty.

reference: 2390
case number: XXXX
year of production: 1999
case diameter: 25mm x 38mm
movement: Cartier mechanique, hand-wound caliber 060 MC
box and papers: no

Sold