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. 2399C example that we have here launched as part of that collection. Measuring 39mm x 25mm and featuring a stunning silver guilloche dial and an exhibition window in its caseback this timepiece celebrates Cartier at their very best.
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Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
39mm x 25mm
Model
Tank Basculante
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 060MC
Reference
2499
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2000s
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 CASEBACK
Fitted with an exhibition window to showcase its movement, the ref. 2499C showcases its CPCP cal. 060MC movement with its signature Cartier logo engraving throughout.
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 overall very good condition. The yellow gold case shows surface scratches along with a noticeable ding to the inner edge on the right-hand side at the front. The case back retains largely well-defined engravings and hallmarks, with some light wear visible to the model reference engraving. The dial and hands remain like new. It is fitted with a red alligator strap and a yellow gold deployant clasp, both remaining in excellent condition. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
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. 2399 embodies Cartier's distinguished design language that has become such an iconic part of modern watchmaking.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
