Introduction
Launched in 1996, the Cartier Tank Asymètrique was released as a faithful and modern reinterpretation of Cartier’s 1936 Parallelogram design, which would then later become known as the Tank Asymètrique. With its eponymous asymmetric design, the Tank Asymètrique was created as a means to enable drivers to read the time easier while holding the wheel with outstretched arms. This modern re-release included 400 individually pieces, of which 300 examples were made of 18kt yellow gold, and 100 were made of platinum. However, Cartier again launched a limited edition variant of the Tank Asymètrique in 1999, limited to just 99 pieces to celebrate Macau’s handover from Portugal to the People's Republic of China. With Cartier’s signature dial aesthetics, but tilted to fit theTank Asymètrique’s offset dial, this ref. 2488 features black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a black chemin de fer railroad-style minute track atop its silver guilloche engraved dial. Additionally, it also features a single applied yellow gold Breguet numeral at 9 o’clock that sits beside another black-painted Arabic numeral that combines to read “99” – a clear link to the timepiece’s year of launch and another link to the historic event that it celebrates. Made as a set of 77 right-handed pieces and 22 left-handed pieces all featuring an exhibition caseback to showcase the manually-wound cal. 9P2 movement, the example we have here is a right-handed example that is offered with its box and papers
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$20,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
23.6mm x 34mm x 6mm
Model
Tank Asymètrique
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 9P2
Reference
2488 / W1525451
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1999
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
With its silver dial featuring Cartier's signature guilloche engraved design alongside its other iconic elements such as its blued steel hands and Roman numerals, the Tank Asymètrique fits wonderfully within Cartier's historical design lineage. However, separating this model from the rest is its pair of Arabic numerals at 9 o'clock that read "99," which is an obvious reference to the timepiece's launch year and the year Macau was handed over to the People's Republic of China.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With its angled display, the Tank Asymètrique enables its wearer to read the time quickly and easily while their arms are stretched in front of them, like when holding a steering wheel.
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 has many superficial scratches and marks along the surface. Dial is in excellent condition. There appears to be a tiny hair above the Cartier signature on the dial-it can be seen in the images. Crystal is has numerous scratches on the surface. Caseback engravings are crisp and fully visible, bur scratches and marks are visible on the surface and on the edges. Crocodile leather strap is very worn and needs to be replaced. It is fitted with the original 18kt yellow gold folding deployant clasp. Watch comes with an original dated certificate as well as limited edition paperwork.
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
A modern and luxurious interpretation of a classic piece of Cartier design, the Tank Asymètrique plays a wonderfully quaint role in Cartier's history of geometric design, and this example is part of a niche piece of that history given its special edition status and extremely limited supply of just 99 examples.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
