Lot Essay
Please note the strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, the watch will be supplied to the buyer on a calf leather strap.
Originally launched in 1922, the Cartier Tank Chinoise was a very early creation designed by none other than Louis Cartier himself. Adding a bit of flair to the traditional Tank design, as the name suggests, the Chinoise or Chinese in French features elevated horizontal bars that wrap the sides of the case. This alteration from the classical Tank was inspired by Chinese architecture and imitated Asian temples and pagodas. Furthermore, the case creates a portico, inviting the viewer into the inner dial space.
Very few examples such as the present watch still remain having defined cases with hallmarks. The timepiece wonderfully represents a harmonious fusion of the historical global world and classical Cartier aesthetics, highlighting the genius of Louis Cartier and his simple, yet complex designs which have stood the test of time.
Originally launched in 1922, the Cartier Tank Chinoise was a very early creation designed by none other than Louis Cartier himself. Adding a bit of flair to the traditional Tank design, as the name suggests, the Chinoise or Chinese in French features elevated horizontal bars that wrap the sides of the case. This alteration from the classical Tank was inspired by Chinese architecture and imitated Asian temples and pagodas. Furthermore, the case creates a portico, inviting the viewer into the inner dial space.
Very few examples such as the present watch still remain having defined cases with hallmarks. The timepiece wonderfully represents a harmonious fusion of the historical global world and classical Cartier aesthetics, highlighting the genius of Louis Cartier and his simple, yet complex designs which have stood the test of time.