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Lot Essay
Originally launched in 1922, the Cartier Tank Chinoise was one of the Maison’s early creations, designed by none other than Louis Cartier himself. Adding an exotic flair to the traditional Tank design, the Chinoise, or ‘Chinese’ in French, is distinguished by its elevated horizontal bars extending across the sides of the case. This departure from the classical Tank was inspired by Chinese architecture, recalling the projecting forms of Asian temples and pagodas. The construction of the case also creates the impression of a portico, inviting the eye towards the dial within.
The present example has developed a charming mellow patina while retaining strong proportions and clearly defined numbers to both the case and clasp. Significantly, the side of the case and the interior of the caseback are punched with Edmond Jaeger’s mark. The movement, supplied by the European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., bears the matching number 27688 on the front plate beneath the dial, further underlining the integrity of this remarkable early example.
Always one of the ultimate symbols of taste and luxury, Cartier produced only very small numbers of wristwatches during its golden age in the first half of the 20th century, and even fewer have survived to the present day. Perfectly epitomising the glamour and elegance of the Art Deco era, the present watch is a particularly significant example of the Tank Chinoise and a great rarity. Furthermore, it is accompanied by what is possibly its original yellow gold tile-link bracelet and deployant clasp, beautifully complementing the architectural character of the case.
The subtle and restrained chic of the Tank Chinoise lends itself equally to casual and formal occasions. More than a century after its introduction, its distinctive architecture remains as elegant and sophisticated as ever, making it a truly timeless Cartier classic and an enduring expression of effortless style.
The present example has developed a charming mellow patina while retaining strong proportions and clearly defined numbers to both the case and clasp. Significantly, the side of the case and the interior of the caseback are punched with Edmond Jaeger’s mark. The movement, supplied by the European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., bears the matching number 27688 on the front plate beneath the dial, further underlining the integrity of this remarkable early example.
Always one of the ultimate symbols of taste and luxury, Cartier produced only very small numbers of wristwatches during its golden age in the first half of the 20th century, and even fewer have survived to the present day. Perfectly epitomising the glamour and elegance of the Art Deco era, the present watch is a particularly significant example of the Tank Chinoise and a great rarity. Furthermore, it is accompanied by what is possibly its original yellow gold tile-link bracelet and deployant clasp, beautifully complementing the architectural character of the case.
The subtle and restrained chic of the Tank Chinoise lends itself equally to casual and formal occasions. More than a century after its introduction, its distinctive architecture remains as elegant and sophisticated as ever, making it a truly timeless Cartier classic and an enduring expression of effortless style.