Cartier Grande Tank Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1930s
Maker / issuer
CartierThis Cartier Grande Tank is a large rectangular wristwatch manufactured in the 1930s. The watch features an 18K yellow gold two-body case that is curved in profile and is finished with both polished and brushed surfaces.
The case back is secured by four screws, and the winding crown is fitted with a cabochon sapphire. The dial is silver with radial black Roman numerals and an internal minute track, accompanied by blued steel Breguet hands. Power is provided by a 9-ligne rhodium-plated movement produced by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The mechanism incorporates 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted in eight positions, with a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator.
The piece is finished with an 18K yellow gold deployant clasp.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Tank wristwatch
- Clasp Type
- 18K yellow gold deployant clasp
- Crown Detail
- Cabochon sapphire
- Case Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Movement Type
- 9-ligne, rhodium-plated, fausses-côtes decoration
- Case Thickness
- 6 mm
- Dial Signature
- Cartier
- Movement Maker
- European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.
- Case Dimensions
- 46 x 23 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Visible features
- • Curved rectangular case profile • Cabochon sapphire set into the crown • Radial Roman numeral hour indices
- Case and Dial Design
- The Cartier Grande Tank is defined by its substantial rectangular case, which measures 46 mm by 23 mm with a thickness of 6 mm. The case features a two-body construction that is deliberately curved to follow the contour of the wearer's wrist. The finishing comprises a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, and the case back is attached using four screws. The crown is capped with a cabochon sapphire. The silver dial maintains a minimalist aesthetic with radial black Roman numerals and a central minute track. The time is displayed via blued steel Breguet-style hands, which provide a contrast against the silvered surface. The dial is signed by Cartier, distinguishing it from the internal components which bear the markings of the manufacturer.
- Condition and Authenticity
- The auction description provides a detailed evaluation of the watch's condition as of the time of cataloging. The dial is reported in 'Good' condition. Regarding the watch's integrity, the auction documentation specifies that the hands are original to the timepiece, though further technical assessment is suggested for prospective owners.
- Movement and Mechanical Specifications
- The watch is powered by a 9-ligne movement, which was supplied by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. This rhodium-plated movement is decorated with fausses-côtes, a traditional finishing technique. It utilizes an 18-jewel configuration and a straight-line lever escapement to maintain accuracy. Regulating the performance is a cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is adjusted to eight positions. The assembly includes a blued steel flat balance spring and a standard index regulator.
Identification
- Serial number
- 19584/2922/27566
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Overhaul recommended per auction report
- Research required: Verification of component internal serial number sequences