103 Cartier An exceptionally rare and historically important, Tank Obus Savonette, rectangular shape manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with Roman numerals dial and hinged case.
Estimate: € 50.000 – 100.000
A 20% import VAT is due on the final price including premium, only if it is delivered within the EU.
Create an account or log in to place absentee and live bids.
- Model Tank Obus Savonette
- Year Circa 1930s
- Case Material 18K yellow gold
- Case Number 15'870, 23'717, 2'193
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, 18 jewels
- Dimension 23mm width x 32.5mm length
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Literature A similar watch is published in Jader Barracca, Gampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini's book "Le Temps de Cartier" at page 163.
Introduced in the early 1920s, Cartier’s Obus collection takes its name from the French word for “shell” or “projectile”, a reference to the distinctive, elongated lugs formed by four sculpted elements soldered to the corners of the characteristically rectangular Tank case. Among the most intriguing evolutions of this design is the Savonnette, or Hunter-case, version, in which the movement is protected by a hinged, solid gold cover. These covers were generally executed in plain polished gold, although some exceptional examples are known with finely decorated enamel. The present watch, dating from the 1930s, is a particularly charming example of this unusual configuration. Its dial is signed “Cartier” and “France”, confirming its French manufacture, while the manually wound movement is signed European Watch & Clock. The case further retains the three case numbers out of the caseback, together with the French eagle’s head hallmark, attesting to its gold construction. Combining Cartier’s unmistakable Art Deco vocabulary with the mechanical ingenuity of a Hunter-case construction, the present Tank Obus Savonnette offers a rare glimpse into one of the maison’s lesser-seen early designs.
Condition Report
Create an account or log in to view the condition report!
Auction Preview
GENEVA
Eternity Gallery Geneva, 19 Place de Longemalle
HONG KONG
Opera Gallery Hong Kong, 1 Duddell Street, Unit 01, 11/F, Central
MILANO
Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia, 11
BOLOGNA
Time on Show Bologna, Viale della Fiera, 20