CIRCA: 1999
CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold
CASE DIAMETER: 25 x 38 mm.
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CLASP: Yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: Yes
WITH: International Guarantee Certificate dated 1999, Limited Edition Certificate, document holder, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging
REMARK: Limited edition of 365 pieces

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Lot Essay

The Cartier Tank Basculante, which debuted in 1932, a year after Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso, was a clever variation of the protective reversible watch case, but this time it featured a vertical tilting mechanism. This was no accident: LeCoultre and Cartier had a strong business relationship in the early 1900s, with LeCoultre providing Cartier with movements and Spécialités Horlogères SA, its subsidiary, manufacturing the Basculante cases.

Similar to the Reverso, the Tank Basculante was designed to have a flipable dial and crystal to protect them from possible harm while participating in sports. The watch gracefully rotates inside its swing frame, living up to its name, Basculante, which translates to 'tilting' in French. Its 360-degree rotation, which remarkably enables it to stand upright and serve as a miniature table clock, perfectly embodies Cartier's ability to blend practicality with elegant design. Like many of Cartier's most creative works from the interwar period, the Basculante was never put into mass production and ended up in the maison's archives before being brought back to life in the 1990s.

With its distinctive caseback engraving commemorating the start of the new millennium, 1999, 2000, and 2001, the current reference 2391 is especially unique. It features Cartier's signature design elements, including a stunning guilloché dial, painted Roman numerals, the Paris signature at 12 o'clock, and the maison's discreet secret signature hidden inside the VII marker. It was produced in a strictly limited edition of 365 numbered pieces.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working; however, a service is recommended. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial: Nice and clean. Some spots visible.
Case: Scratches and dents throughout. Has been previously polished. Caseback with scratches and dents, engravings are sharp.
Clasp: Scratches and dents.
Strap: The watch is sold and delivered with a Christie's branded strap, the original strap is not included in the sale.

Should you require additional details or pictures, please contact a specialist.

The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

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