Cartier Tank Basculante
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1932
Maker / issuer
CartierThe Cartier Tank Basculante is a stainless steel reversible wristwatch first released in 1932. It features a carriage case design where the inner frame holding the dial and movement pivots within an outer rectangular housing.
The watch utilizes a swinging frame mechanism that allows the case to flip, a feature designed to protect the dial side. This specific example measures 36mm x 24mm and is distinguished by a dark-colored dial with Arabic numerals and matching sword-style hands, differing from standard white or silver variants. The winding crown is positioned at the 12 o'clock location. The name is derived from the French word 'bascule', meaning seesaw, referencing the motion of the inner carriage.
The watch is presented on a strap and displays a cabochon-style accent on the outer frame.
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
- Reversible wristwatch
- Maker
- Cartier
- Dimensions
- 36mm x 24mm
- Release Year
- 1932
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Crown Position
- 12 o'clock
- Mechanism Type
- Swinging frame
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The dial displays Arabic numerals for the hour markers, arranged within a rectangular track. The display is complemented by a set of sword-style hands. The dial incorporates subtle pattern work, adding texture to the face of the watch. The overall design maintains the geometric clarity associated with the Tank line, while the dark coloration of the dial and the specific choice of handset provide a distinct visual profile for this individual piece.
- Visible features
- • Dark-toned dial with white Arabic numerals • Outer frame features a blue cabochon stone • Winding crown positioned at the top of the inner carriage • Sword-shaped hands
- Historical Context
- The Cartier Tank Basculante was released in 1932, one year following the introduction of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. While the two models share the functional purpose of a reversible case, they operate through different mechanical solutions. The Basculante's development followed the initial emergence of reversible watches during the early 1930s. The model is cited as a variation within the broader Cartier Tank family. It is positioned by the manufacturer as a watch that emphasizes the reversible function, distinguishing it from the standard fixed-case iterations of the Tank design.
- Case Design and Mechanism
- The Cartier Tank Basculante is characterized by its carriage case construction, which enables the watch head to pivot within a fixed outer frame. Unlike designs that utilize a slider mechanism, the Basculante employs a swinging frame that allows the carriage to flip, enabling the user to reverse the dial for protection. This motion provides the inspiration for the model's name, derived from the French word for 'seesaw'. The outer housing provides a secure frame for the pivoting inner portion, which contains the movement and dial. The watch is fabricated in stainless steel and is sized at 36mm x 24mm. A notable detail is the placement of the winding crown at the 12 o'clock position, situated on the top edge of the internal carriage frame, which distinguishes it from conventional Tank models.
Identification
- Reference
- AS12640
- 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: The specific production date of this exact watch is not confirmed
- Research required: The source does not specify the movement caliber used within the carriage