156 Cartier A stunning and very rare, Tank, manual wristwatch in platinum, with bold black numerals dial, made in London, from Goldberger's Collection.
Estimate: € 25.000 – 50.000
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- Model Tank London
- Year Circa 1960s
- Case Material Platinum
- Case Number 10'251, 7'651
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, cal. K821, 18 jewels
- Movement Number 1'665'911
- Dimension 23mm width x 31mm length
- Signed Case, dial and movement
The Tank, introduced by Cartier in 1917, rapidly became one of the most influential designs in the history of wristwatches. The present example embodies the characteristic architectural purity of the model, with its rectangular case, parallel brancards and refined cream-coloured dial featuring elongated black Roman numerals and blued-steel hands. The winding crown is fitted with Cartier’s characteristic blue sapphire cabochon. Of particular interest are the numbers engraved to the case back, which correspond to Cartier’s internal inventory numbering, providing a fascinating insight into the organisation of the Maison’s London operation. The case is executed in platinum, yet notably bears no platinum assay marks. This should not be interpreted as evidence against its material. Platinum hallmarks had existed in Britain on an optional basis before the twentieth century, but compulsory hallmarking for platinum was only introduced with the Hallmarking Act of 1973. Prior to this legislation, platinum cases could legally be sold without an official platinum hallmark and were sometimes left entirely unmarked, or simply identified with inscriptions such as “Plat” or “Platinum”, with purity not necessarily indicated. The absence of platinum hallmarks is therefore particularly appropriate to an early Cartier London creation and provides an intriguing reminder of the regulatory landscape in which these exceptional watches were produced.
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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