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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Skeleton wristwatch

Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton Ref. W5310012

Partially verified

This Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton wristwatch, reference W5310012 and case number 34, is crafted in an 18K white gold rectangular case measuring 39 mm by 30 mm. The source dates the piece to circa 2014 and records a manual-wind caliber 9616 MC movement with 21 jewels, movement number 150, suspended between sapphire panels. The openworked movement features circular bridges, visible dual barrels, and central blued hands, alongside a beaded crown set with a blue cabochon and an alligator strap.

Front view of the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton wristwatch showing the openworked calibre 9616 MC movement and blue cabochon crown
Front view of the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton wristwatch showing the openworked calibre 9616 MC movement and blue cabochon crown — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Skeleton wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
W5310012
Catalogue / lot identifier
129
Source-reported date
Circa 2014
Country
France
Source-reported serial
No. 34

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 Architecture and Exterior Features

This Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton, reference W5310012, is cased in 18K white gold measuring 39 mm in length by 30 mm in width. Catalogued under case number 34, the polished rectangular frame surrounds an open movement assembly. Visible front exterior components include a beaded winding crown set with a smooth dark blue cabochon gem and an attached black alligator strap.

The cataloguing records that the watch is fitted with an 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp and that the case construction incorporates front and back sapphire panels. According to the essay description, the movement is suspended between these two sapphire panels, which are reported to be secured to the case with rubber blocks designed for shock resistance and movement stabilization.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dimensions 39mm length by 30mm width”
  • “Case No No. 34”
  • “Clasp/Buckle 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp”
  • “the sapphire panels are affixed to the case with secret rubber blocks for shock-resistant purposes and to stabilize the movement”

Skeletonized Movement and Display

Visible within the case is a suspended openwork mechanism identified as the manual-wind caliber 9616 MC, catalogued with movement number 150. The structure features circular bridges, an exposed gear train, a balance assembly in the lower section, and dual mainspring barrels. Time is displayed centrally with blued hands positioned above an openwork bridge signed 'CARTIER'.

According to the auction specifications, the caliber carries 21 jewels, and the cataloguing notes that its double-barrel architecture provides a three-day power reserve. The openwork layout omits a conventional dial plate, leaving the structural bridges and running components fully visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement No No. 150”
  • “Calibre Manual, cal. 9616 MC, 21 jewels”
  • “The double barrel movement gives the watch an impressive three-day power reserve”

Cataloguing Context and Accessories

The auction house dates this timepiece to circa 2014 and notes that the Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton was introduced at SIHH in 2014 in white gold before a pink gold version followed the next year. The lot is listed as coming from the property of the original owner.

Accompaniments listed in the cataloguing include a Cartier Certificate of Origin, a loupe, and a presentation box. While the front case and movement layout are confirmed through visual observation, internal features like the rubber mounting blocks, movement numbering, reverse finishing, and clasp hallmarks are recorded on the authority of the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “Year Circa 2014”
  • “Introduced at SIHH in 2014, it was first offered only in white gold (the present lot)”
  • “PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER”
  • “Accessories Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Origin, loupe, and presentation box.”

Open research questions

  • What specific date of purchase or retailer stamp is recorded on the accompanying Cartier Certificate of Origin?
  • What case, gold purity, and maker hallmarks are stamped on the reverse side of the case and the 18K white gold deployant clasp?
  • What are the specific operational measurements and amplitude for caliber 9616 MC number 150 across its stated three-day power reserve?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton Ref. W5310012
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ReferenceW5310012“Reference No W5310012”
Case NumberNo. 34“Case No No. 34”
Movement NumberNo. 150“Movement No No. 150”
CalibreManual, cal. 9616 MC, 21 jewels“Calibre Manual, cal. 9616 MC, 21 jewels”
Material18K white gold“Material 18K white gold”
Dimensions39mm length by 30mm width“Dimensions 39mm length by 30mm width”
Clasp Material and Type18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp“Clasp/Buckle 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp”
Accompanying AccessoriesCartier Certificate of Origin, loupe, and presentation box“Accessories Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Origin, loupe, and presentation box.”
Reported ProvenanceProperty of the original owner“PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER”
SignaturesCase, dial, movement, and clasp signed“Signed Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.”

Visible details

  • Rectangular polished 18K white gold case framing an open skeletonized movement
  • Suspended openwork movement design with visible gear trains, balance assembly, and circular open bridges
  • Central blued hands positioned above bridge signed 'CARTIER'
  • Beaded crown set with a smooth dark blue cabochon gem
  • Fitted black alligator leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Movement number, case back, deployant clasp, and accompanying accessories are not visible in the primary image and rely on auction cataloguing.

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

Consulted source

Cartier The New York Watch Auction: SIX

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 66ef2317c8

Terms in this record

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

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