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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tank wristwatch

Cartier Grande Tank Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Cartier Grande Tank is a large rectangular wristwatch manufactured in the 1930s. The watch features an 18K yellow gold two-body case that is curved in profile and is finished with both polished and brushed surfaces. The case back is secured by four screws, and the winding crown is fitted with a cabochon sapphire. The dial is silver with radial black Roman numerals and an internal minute track, accompanied by blued steel Breguet hands. Power is provided by a 9-ligne rhodium-plated movement produced by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The mechanism incorporates 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted in eight positions, with a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator. The piece is finished with an 18K yellow gold deployant clasp.

Front view of the Cartier Grande Tank showing the silver dial and 18K yellow gold case.
Front view of the Cartier Grande Tank showing the silver dial and 18K yellow gold case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Tank wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
270
Source-reported date
1930s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
19584/2922/27566

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Cartier Grande Tank is defined by its substantial rectangular case, which measures 46 mm by 23 mm with a thickness of 6 mm. The case features a two-body construction that is deliberately curved to follow the contour of the wearer's wrist. The finishing comprises a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, and the case back is attached using four screws. The crown is capped with a cabochon sapphire.

The silver dial maintains a minimalist aesthetic with radial black Roman numerals and a central minute track. The time is displayed via blued steel Breguet-style hands, which provide a contrast against the silvered surface. The dial is signed by Cartier, distinguishing it from the internal components which bear the markings of the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, curved rectangular, polished and brushed, the dedicated back with 4 screws, winding crown set with a cabochon sapphire.”
  • “Rectangular silver, with radial black Roman numerals, inner minute track. Blued steel Breguet hands.”
  • “Dial signed Cartier”

Movement and Mechanical Specifications

The watch is powered by a 9-ligne movement, which was supplied by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. This rhodium-plated movement is decorated with fausses-côtes, a traditional finishing technique. It utilizes an 18-jewel configuration and a straight-line lever escapement to maintain accuracy.

Regulating the performance is a cut bimetallic compensation balance, which is adjusted to eight positions. The assembly includes a blued steel flat balance spring and a standard index regulator.

Evidence for this section
  • “9''', rhodium-plated, fausses-côtes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with 8 adjustments, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator.”
  • “case and movement signed European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description provides a detailed evaluation of the watch's condition as of the time of cataloging.

The dial is reported in 'Good' condition. Regarding the watch's integrity, the auction documentation specifies that the hands are original to the timepiece, though further technical assessment is suggested for prospective owners.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 3 Good”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial: 3-28-01 Good”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the specific triple-serial number sequence 19584/2922/27566?
  • How does the curvature of this specific Tank model compare to the standard Cartier Tank Normale of the same decade?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Grande Tank Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
Movement MakerEuropean Watch & Clock Co., Inc.“movement by European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.”
Movement Type9-ligne, rhodium-plated, fausses-côtes decoration“9''', rhodium-plated, fausses-côtes decoration”
Crown DetailCabochon sapphire“winding crown set with a cabochon sapphire”
Case Dimensions46 x 23 mm“Dim. 46 x 23 mm”
Case Thickness6 mm“Thickness 6 mm”
Dial SignatureCartier“Dial signed Cartier”
Clasp Type18K yellow gold deployant clasp“18K yellow gold deployant clasp”

Visible details

  • Curved rectangular case profile
  • Cabochon sapphire set into the crown
  • Radial Roman numeral hour indices

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul recommended per auction report
  • Verification of component internal serial number sequences

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Grande Tank Cartier, No. 19584/2922/27566, movement by European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. Made in the 1930s. Very fine and rare, large, 18K yellow gold, rectangular, curved wristwatch with an 18K yellow gold deployant clasp.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ed3f0ad04a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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