CARTIER FRANCE - Lot 384

CARTIER FRANCE Tank Normale EWC Case No. 33836 Movement No. 202691 Cartier Stock No.: 010505 18k yellow gold (750) wristwatch Case: rectangular, flat crown, screw-down case back (1 screw missing from the case middle), Edmond Jaeger master’s hallmark Dial: patinated cream (missing along the edges of the dial), Roman numeral hour markers and painted railway-style minute track, blued steel sword-shaped hands, signed CARTIER FRANCE Movement: manual-winding mechanical movement signed European Watch Clock & Co Strap/Clasp: unsigned leather strap with an 18k gold (750) folding clasp bearing the Edmond Jaeger master’s hallmark no. 11924 Dimensions: 36 x 24 Gross weight: 44.3 g. Condition report provided for informational purposes only: At the time of catalog compilation, signs of normal wear with visible bevels on the case; hallmarks and numbers still visible; dial with patina and showing chips along the edge; movement in working order; routine service recommended; no warranty The Cartier Tank is one of the most iconic watch designs in the world of horology. An elegant icon worn by several members of the British royal family, or in a more pop-culture vein by Andy Warhol, who wore it upside down, this watch has managed to appeal to multiple generations and diverse demographics. While the Tank Louis model is the most commonly seen, it is not the first version of the Tank. The first iteration is the so-called “Normal” Tank. Designed in 1917, it reflects the wartime context of the French environment in which Louis Cartier lived: the massive rectangular case was inspired by the Renault tanks of the era, and the hands by the barrels of cannons. Although the design was created in 1917, it wasn’t released until a year after the end of World War I. Following the release of the Tank Normale, several variations emerged, such as the Louis, the Chinoise, the Asymmetrical, and others—a testament to the creative genius of the Maison on Rue de la Paix. While the Tank Normale we’re presenting here is interesting from a stylistic standpoint, it’s just as fascinating from a technical one! The partnership between Cartier and Jaeger is well known among collectors. The collaboration between Louis Cartier and the renowned watchmaker Edmond Jaeger began in the early 20th century, but an exclusivity agreement was signed, leading to the founding of European Watch Clock & Co. Jaeger movements marked “EWC” were reserved for Cartier watches. Unfortunately, Edmond Jaeger passed away in 1922, but the partnership endured! This is a testament to the exceptional quality of the movements crafted by the famous Alsatian watchmaker. Expert: Geoffroy Ader