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. Debuting in the early 1990s, the Basculante model that we have here is the Basculante Mechanique ref. 2390 with a 26mm x 38mm stainless steel case. Powered by the 2mm thick manually-wound Piguet-derived Cartier cal. 050 MC, the ref. 2390 is just 5.8mm tall and brings a distinguished wrist presence through its unique design and rich heritage.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Pouch
Est. value range
$6,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
26mm x 38mm
Model
Tank Basculante
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 060 MC
Reference
2390
Bracelet
Alligator leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Cartier service pouch, 2021 Service invoice and receipt for the leather strap
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Fitted with a typical Cartier dial, the ref. 2390 features a white dial a subtle guilloche engraving, Cartier's signture black Roman numerals, blued steel hands and a black railroad-style minute track.
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. The case shows minimal surface wear on the brushed and polished surfaces, and there are no major abrasions. The strap shows light signs of use and comes with the original pin buckle.
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. 2390 embodies Cartier's distinguished design language that has become such an iconic part of modern watchamking.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
