92 Cartier A very fine and elegant, Tank Obus, square-shape manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with ivory patinated dial, roman numerals and matching clasp, made in London.

Estimate: Fr. 20'000 –⁠ 40'000

• Model Tank Obus London
• Year Circa 1969
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number 8'737
• Bracelet Material Leather strap
• Movement Manual, cal. P838, jewelled
• Movement Number 1'862'099
• Dimension 25mm width x 31mm length
• Signed Case, dial and movement

A refined and characterful example of the London-made Tank Obus, preserved with a warm aesthetic and desirable matching numbers to the clasp. The model, introduced in the early 1920s, takes its name from the French word obus, meaning artillery shell, referring to the distinctive rounded, protruding lugs that evoke the silhouette of shell casings. This sculptural interpretation represents one of Cartier’s more expressive evolutions of the Tank family, departing from the strict linearity of the original design while maintaining its architectural elegance. The present watch was manufactured in London and bears the characteristic internal caseback hallmarks associated with Cartier’s London boutique, like the “JC” maker’s mark. The date letter “O” further places production to approximately 1969, during a period when London-made Cartier watches were produced in small numbers and often display subtle variations in dial and case execution. The dial has aged to an attractive ivory tone, lending the watch a soft, uniform patina. It features classic Roman numerals arranged along the periphery, notably without a chemin de fer minute track, enhancing the purity and minimalism of the display. The overall aesthetic is elegant and restrained, with the warm dial coloration complementing the sculptural case form. The caseback numbers are repeated on the clasp, which also corresponds to both the external and internal caseback engravings, an appealing and increasingly rare detail that underscores the originality and coherence of the set. Altogether, this Tank Obus offers a compelling combination of historical significance, distinctive design, and period consistency, appealing to collectors of Cartier’s most characterful mid-century productions.