Cartier Tank Basculante 2390 - Limited Edition - Full set
CARTIER TANK BASCULANTE 2390
Steel | Guilloché dial
Origin
The story of Cartier started in 1847 in Paris when the luxury Maison was founded by jeweller Louis-Francois Cartier. Over fifty years later, in 1899, he handed the brand over to his three sons who established the company internationally with Cartier becoming a favourite among royalty – named ‘King of Jewellers, Jewellers of Kings’.
It didn’t take long before Cartier turned its eye to watches. Many of the brand’s timepieces have become instant classics, such as the Santos (1904), the Tortue (1912) and the Tank (1919). The latest became a watchmaking category of its own, an elegant yet functional icon, loved by many and created by the powerful vision from Louis Cartier, the grandson of the brand’s founder.
After the roaring twenties playing sports such as tennis and golf while wearing a watch became more and more en vogue. In 1932 the Tank Basculante was patented as a smart solution satisfying this fashionable challenge. The watch, also coined ‘Cabriolet Reversible’, could be reversed in its case with just one snap, protecting the bezel, watch’s glass and dial from possible damage.
The Tank Basculante is known as the only luxury watch competing with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso (who was a partner at the time, both models were manufactured by Spécialités Horlogères SA, which was part of Jaeger-LeCoultre). But the Basculante is, unlike the Reverso, flipped vertically through 360 degrees (instead of turning the face on its horizontal axes), making it unique in its use.
Besides being a versatile timepiece with great heritage, the Tank Basculante has proven to be an everlasting style symbol.
The Watch
This manual-winding Basculante is a special edition, produced in a limited number of 365 pieces (in 1999-2000-2001). Its symmetrical steel case measures 38mm and has an elegantly thin proportion, thanks to its 2.1mm thick caliber. The straight lines and rounded corners of the case are playfully discontinued by the winding crown, placed at the top of the case, below the blue signature crystal of Cartier (the cabochon) that is used to lift the case out of its frame to flip it over.
The hour and minute hands are made from blued steel, matching the cabochon. The cream guilloché dial displays bold roman numerals. The attention to detail in this timepiece goes beyond the Cartier standard, with beautiful finishing inside and out. The inside of the ‘shell’ of the case is, for example, decorated with a Cartier pattern.
On the flipside of the watch the original 2001-engraving (down-right corner) refers to the birth year of this limited edition, with a Cartier-engraving (top-left) underlining French refinement. The caseback of the watch also carries some authentic engravings: one could read mécanique above the stainless steel-engraving and the serial number and reference code.
While being flipped, the Basculante can also stand upright with the frame laid flat, giving it the character of a desktop or travel clock.
The Movement
The Cartier Tank Basculante 2390 is powered by the hand-wound mechanical Cartier 060 caliber, also used in many haute horlogerie models of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP).
Condition
This Cartier Tank Basculante 2390 is in mint condition with original limited edition engravings (no personalization’s) and has excellent functionality. It comes as a full set, with signature red Cartier box and complementing papers.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment.
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| Reference | 2390 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual |
| Caliber | Cartier 060MC |
| Dial | off white |
| Size (Case) | 26 x 38 |
| Material (Case) | Steel |
| Bracelet | Grey grained |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Mint |
| Year | 2001 |
| Papers | yes |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |