128 Cartier An early and higly rare, Tank Obus, manual wristwatch in white gold, with blue roman enamel numerals, sold by Cartier London.
Estimate: € 40.000 – 80.000
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- Model Tank Obus
- Year Circa 1940s
- Case Material 18K white gold
- Case Number 21'746, 6'933, 25'884
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, 18 jewels
- Movement Number 1'215'753
- Dimension 25mm width x 25mm length
- Signed Case, dial and movement
Introduced at the close of the 1920s, the Tank Obus represents one of the boldest interpretations of the Tank aesthetic ever conceived by Cartier. While most members of the Tank family are defined by their elongated rectangular silhouettes, the Obus took a decisively different path. Its case is square, compact, architectural, and assertive, signaling a departure from convention at a time when design experimentation was gaining momentum.
Its defining feature, however, lies in its lugs. Rather than the traditional straight brancards, the Tank Obus is fitted with prominent cylindrical attachments, evocative of miniature artillery shells, hence the name “Obus.” These sculptural projections give the watch an unmistakable profile, transforming what could have been a simple square case into a piece of wrist-worn Art Deco design.
The present example is particularly compelling. Dating to the 1940s, it was produced in France and then sold to London. The caseback retains clearly visible serial engravings, an increasingly rare detail that speaks to the watch’s honest preservation over the decades.
Equally striking is the bezel configuration. The vivid blue enamel Roman numerals create a dramatic frame around the central square dial, offering a rich contrast against the silvered ground. The enamel remains bright and well-defined, adding both visual depth and collectible appeal.
Notably, this example is housed in white gold, a far less common metal for the reference, since the majority of surviving Tank Obus models appear in yellow gold.
With its unconventional geometry, sculptural lugs, and vibrant enamel detailing, the Tank Obus stands apart even within Cartier’s storied production. This early white gold example captures the model’s avant-garde spirit while remaining deeply rooted in the maison’s design language.
Condition Report
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24 April - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
25 April - From 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM