Tank Basculante Limited

CARTIER, TANK BASCULANTE, REF. 2391, LIMITED EDITION

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is  proud to introduce a nice, rare and  attractive, limited  edition, Cartier Paris Collection Privée, 18K yellow gold « cabriolet » rectangular reversible  wristwatch by Cartier, the  Tank Basculante Ref. 2391.

The Cartier “Tank Basculante” model was launched to the market in 1932. Famous actor Gary Cooper was photographed wearing the model. Paying tribute to the 1930s model, the present watch was launched  in 1999,  in a limited edition of 365 pieces, to mark and welcome the new millenial. Belonging to the CPCP (Cartier Paris Collection Privée) collection, the model is  fitted with a mechanical movement. The “Basculante’s” rectangular case was the main feature, and allowed the case to rotate 360 degrees on its horizontal axis, allowing the wearer to hide the dial for protection purposes.

Under the patent no. CH162787, on July 1st 1932, the « Cabriolet Reversible » wristwatch is born. Fruit of the collaboration of  LeCoultre, César de Trey of Spécialités Horlogers in Lausanne and Jaeger in Paris, this patent reserved for Cartier, the model is similar to the famous Jaeger Reverso, with a reversible case, except that for the reverso the sliding is perpendicular to the main body, while the Cabriolet Reversible needs an elevation of the cradle and then make a 360 degree turn on a central axis. Pros: the system is well secured and well protected inside the main body, no setting time by accident can happen, the construction is thiner than the Reverso. Cons: the system need more « space » to make its revolution, the construction is more delicate, no quick time adjustment. Like the Reverso, the main purpose was to protect the crystal and consequently the dial during sporting activities.

Under the flat  sapphire crystal, we discover a mint and attractive guilloche silvered dial, signed « Cartier Paris », with painted radial Roman numerals, Cartier secret signature at VII, inner railway minute divisions, blued steel Spade hands. The model is powered by a mechanical, hand wound, Cal. 060 MC, nickel-finished, lever movement, 21 jewels, monometallic balance, flat balance spring, shock absorbers.

The model has a four-body construction: the gold rectangular main case with sapphire crystal and case back engraved « 1999 2000 2001 » and secured by four screws in the sides, winding crown at 12 o’clock, all pivoting to  a  complete rotation thanks to the central axis of the cabochon-set articulated gold rectangular frame/cradle, all hinged into the tank-shaped gold plain backplate with engine-turned decoration depicting the Cartier logo to the inside  and  brushed  finish outside, bearing the two elongated rounded lugs, secured by four  screws in  the band and gold screwed bars to secured the bracelet.

Cartier’s Collection Privée was introduced in 1998 and offered for following 10 years. The dials were made in 18k gold with silvered guilloché and stamped “Paris” under the name, reminiscent of the early 20th century. The present example numbered 094/356, is offered in overall very good condition and value, and is a rare opportunity to own part of the Collection Privée. Purchased by the present owner in September 2000, the watch is furthermore accompanied by  an original fitted red  presentation box, booklet for operating instructions and guarantee. The present watch comes with a Cartier leather strap and an 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp. Dial, case and movement are signed.

Limited edition, well-born, iconic, full-set, a timeless beauty, no reason to hesitate !

Condition: 8.5/10, in extremely good overall condition, very few signs of wear in places