“One of the most interesting of all Tanks, and certainly one of the rarest, the Basculante is a lesson in elegant and innovative craftsmanship.”

The Cartier Tank Basculante, introduced in 1933, followed the legendary Tank Normale, an icon not just of watchmaking but of artistic expression in general, inspired by the design of Renault tanks in World War I. Often compared to Jaeger LeCoultre’s Reverso, the Basculante uses an entirely different, swinging-frame mechanism to flip the watch face upside down, a system which offers superior protection to the dial and movement. With an incredibly versatile and chic aesthetic that has captured the imagination of connoisseurs for nearly 100 years and counting, the Basculante can also be adjusted so that it stands on end, doubling as a table-clock. Cartier’s iconic blue cabochon crown is placed at 12 o’clock for perfect symmetry, and the stunning silver guilloché dial features signature details, with Cartier’s famous Roman numerals hiding their signature, hidden subtly inside the number 7. In an 18k yellow gold case, immaculately polished and beveled and with a “perlage” finish on the inside, the Basculante is a groundbreaking vision that has more than stood the test of time. 

Condition Report:

In lightly-worn condition, watch only.  Serviced by the manufacturer, fitted to a leather strap this watch will be sold with a 1 year international Cartier guarantee.

Year: Unknown

Reference Number: 2499MC

Material: Yellow Gold

Size: 31mm x 25mm

Movement: Manual wind

Box Information: None

Strap: Orange leather with yellow gold clasp

(our ref. CT774)