Introduction
An incredibly iconic timepiece, the Cartier Tank features one of the most easily recognizable watch designs of all time. With its thin rectangle-shaped case and elegant dial, it remains as classical a timepiece today as when it was first released in 1917. Inspired by the Renault FT-17 Tank, the Cartier Tank is, somewhat ironically, a dress watch. Recognizing the need for a more robust variant, Cartier released the Tank Basculante. Launched in 1933, Cartier took inspiration from the JLC Reverso, another classically styled early sports watch that would rotate within its case, to create the Tank Basculante, a watch that would also turn in its case. As such, the Basculante rotates vertically along the 12 to 6 axis within its case to protect its dial from damage caused during sports, and enabling it to double as a table clock if you so wished. With its historical place amongst Cartier’s catalogue, Cartier decided to re-issue the Basculante in 1999 as part of their CPCP collection, with the ref. 2391 example that we have here belonging to that limited edition release of 365 pieces. Measuring 38mm x 26mm and featuring a stunning silver guilloche dial, this timepiece celebrates Cartier at their very best.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
36mm x 28mm
Model
Tank Basculante
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 060MC
Reference
2391
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1999
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a clean silver dial with a rosette guilloche engraving, black inscriptions, large exploding Roman numeral hour markers, and blued steel hands along with Cartier's signature chemin de fer minute track, the CPCP Basculante's dial is strongly linked to Cartier's dial designs of old.
THE CASE
Unlike the well-known JLC Reverso, its inspiration, the Basculante folds over vertically, not horizontally. The patent for this mechanism was granted in 1932 and it allows the Basculant to be used as a desk clock if its wearer decides to use it as such.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate signs of wear, with some scratches visible on the millennium motif cuvette, along the lugs and caseback. The engravings and hallmarks are crisp and full, with the excehption of the outer 750 scale hallmark which is only partially visible. Original guilloche pattern dial in excellent condition, with only minor signs of aging. Watch comes with original deployant buckle in 18k YG.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
An understated timepiece with an unusual flair, the ref. 2391 embodies Cartier's distinguished design language that has become such an iconic part of modern watchmaking.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
