Cartier Obus

Overall Condition: The case is in very good condition overall showing normal, honest wear from age and use with no signs of previous refinishing. White 'Paris' dial is in very good condition showing light signs of aging around edges with matching blued-steel 'sword' handset. Sapphire cabochon crown.

No, it’s not a Tank. And yes, it deserves your attention!

While Parisian jeweler to the stars Cartier may be best known in horological circles for its famed Tank Louis watch, there are numerous other Tank models that are both beautiful and compelling.

Released in 1929, the Tank Obus is known for its unusual shape. Unlike other watches in the Tank line, the Obus is square, not the rectangular shape that many collectors have come to expect. But the most distinctive element of this watch is the shape of the lugs, which look like tiny bullets affixed to the ends of the case.

This particular Obus is housed in a 25mm yellow gold case with stunning red enamel Roman numerals and a matching red ruby cabochon crown. Take a close look and you might do a double-take — the numerals are actually part of the case’s bezel, rather than the dial! The dial itself is fairly small, a white square devoid of all decoration except for a pair of blued steel hands.

Powered by a manually-wound movement, this piece comes fitted to an absolutely sunning and striking, solid 18k yellow gold multi-link bracelet with partial diamond encrusting and a signed hidden deployant clasp.

Dating to the 1980s and issued by Cartier Paris, this is a stunning gem of a Tank destined for the discerning collector who wants something slightly left of center.