5 Cartier Extremely Rare, Absolutely Precious and Exceptional, Asymmetric-Shape Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Black Dial, Signed by Jaeger, published in the Iconic Book “My Time”

Estimate: € 60.000 –⁠ 120.000

When it comes to case shapes and designs, Cartier has always led from the front. The iconic Tank is a testament to this with many variation available. One model really stands apart from the crowd, the aptly named Tank Asymétrique, which was launched in 1936. The ’30s was a time of profound fecundity for Louis Cartier and in that period the Asymétrique saw light, to suit the needs of drivers. Everything you need to know about this watch is in its name: the case is asymmetric, and consequently, so is the dial, which changes the whole dynamic. The 12 o’clock is now in the top right-hand corner, the crown is at 2 o’clock, it’s all a bit strange, but when your hands are on a steering wheel at ten and two o’clock, the dial is oriented upright. The example here offered is surely one of the rarest and definitely important that can be offered. Powered by a Le Coultre movement, the yellow-gold case is absolutely well preserved, still offering crisp and deep engravings and hallmarks on the back. The dial is simply phenomenal: it is very hard to find an Asymmetric this old with a black dial and almost impossible with the precious signature Jaeger on it. This model was later rechristened the Tank Asymétrique and became one of the most coveted and recognizable timepieces thanks to its total originality in design, but when compared to such a magnificent example, it is immediately clear that vintage times were a step ahead. A small but significant supplement: this specific watch is published in Sandro Fratini’s Book “My Time” at page 405.