Cartier Tank Obus

Overall Condition: Very good condition overall. Case shows light wear consistent with age. Dial and matching handset show even patination.

What can one say about Cartier? For more than a century, the maison has defined elegance and refinement, producing timepieces worn by icons from Clark Gable and Rudolph Valentino to Andy Warhol. Few brands so seamlessly bridge the worlds of haute joaillerie and watchmaking, and fewer still have left such a mark on culture.

The watch presented here is a Tank Obus—one of the more distinctive interpretations of Cartier’s signature design. While contemporary Obus models are instantly recognized by their bold square profiles, earlier pieces from the 1950s and 1960s are marked by an elegant 18K yellow gold rectangular case measuring 19 x 32 mm, paired with a standard winding crown. This example features the Obus’ signature bullet-shaped lugs, which lend a sculptural energy to the case. Every detail, from these lugs to the patinated white dial, reflects the care and attention to proportion that define Cartier.

First released in 1929, the Tank Obus distinguished itself from its siblings with its striking lug design, a detail that imbues the watch with both strength and individuality. Tasteful yet distinctive, the Obus adds a touch of personality to a collection without ever tipping into ostentation. This example stands as a pure expression of Cartier’s ethos: refined, characterful, and eternally stylish.