Cartier CPCP

Up for sale is this uncommon and handsome Men's Cartier Tank Obus in solid 18k Yellow Gold with stunning silver guilloché Roman numeral dial and high-grade manual wind movement. This model is part of the now discontinued and dearly loved Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP), which was produced in limited numbers from the late 1990s until the early 2000s, and marked the return of Cartier utilizing truly high quality movements again after many years in the ETA and quartz wilderness. The elite CPCP collection also mined their storied past for the special models created. In this case, the Tank Obus was originally designed in the late 1920s and furthered Louis Cartier’s fascination with modern weaponry as design inspiration with it’s stylized bullet-shaped lugs ("obus" means shell in French, as in artillery). Not to be confused with the common quartz versions strewn across the internet, this scarce CPCP Obus (reference W1527551, I believe) features Cartier’s caliber 430 MC, a highly decorated version of Piaget’s fine ultra-slim cal. 430P. It comes on a burgundy Cartier croc strap with the desirable solid 18k gold Cartier deployant buckle. Although there are no papers, this watch does come with its (presumably original) red Cartier box. This classic mid-size men’s dress watch is in overall Excellent+ pre-owned condition and with its unique case and gorgeous "Lotus" pattern dial is absolutely stunning on the wrist.

This beautiful and scarce CPCP Tank Obus would make an excellent addition for the sophisticated gentleman — or the sexy, confident lady — who wants the very best quality and most distinctive classic Cartier watches in their collection. 

The asking price for this fantastic manual wind 18k Cartier Tank Obus with 18k deployant buckle is $6450 USD OBRO. This price includes fully insured FedEx shipping worldwide. Bank Wire strongly preferred. Other payment options upon application.  Watch will ship upon full clearance of the funds, as well as any necessary bank vetting.  Payment must be made in US DOLLARS.

CASE & BACK: This fantastically designed Tank Obus crafted in 18 karat gold features a screwed water resistant case that measures 27mm wide (not including crown) x 33mm long to the ends of the lugs, a classically stylish mid-size Men’s dress watch. The unique design is as timeless today as when Louis Cartier designed it in back in 1929 as a more square, more eccentric Tank highlighted by  striking, stylized "bullet" lugs. The watch appears to be unpolished with sharp lines and very lightly worn with only the most superficial scuffs to the case and sides. Easily Excellent+ pre-owned condition with no major dings whatsoever. The sapphire porthole exhibition back has very crisp Cartier nomenclature and is very clean with just one scratch to the corner with the 18k hallmarks  —  Excellent condition and the sapphire display window is perfect. All gold case & strap screws are in essentially Near Mint to Mint condition showing real no wear.  Also note that the case is delightfully thin & elegant because of the slim Piaget movement at just 7mm to the top of the crystal.

DIAL & HANDS: Absolutely knockout "Lotus" patterned stepped silver guilloché Roman numeral dial with inner Arabic minute numerals and angled outer minute track is bright and in Mint condition. There are two versions of the CPCP Tank Obus dial, one with an oversized Cartier signature and MECANIQUE printed on the bottom half of the dial in block letters and one with simply the classic "Cartier/Paris" signature like this one. Tastes may vary but I much prefer the cleaner look of this well proportioned Paris dial. Additionally this sort of elaborately engine turned dial is much more attractive than the standard white enamel finish of most Tanks. Blued steel Breguet hands are also Mint and of course the "secret" Cartier authenticity signature at "7" is present.

MOVEMENT: Unlike so many of the modern Obus models available out there, this great CPCP Tank Obus features the excellent manual wind Cartier caliber 430 MC, which is based on Piaget’s ultra-slim ebauche. It is beautifully decorated and delightfully visible through the exhibition caseback. While I do not know the service history of this movement it is running well and keeping good time with its correct 36-hour power reserve.  This is guaranteed to be the case at the time of shipping. It's great to own a solid gold Tank with a mechanical movement but it's even better to own one with a really high quality movement like this one. As has been the case in then past, it is sure to be appreciated by aficionados of the marque today and in the future.

CROWN: Classic Near Mint Cartier knurled gold, blue cabochon sapphire-set winding crown fits snugly against the case, winds the movement and pulls out to the time setting position exactly as designed.

CRYSTAL:  The very slightly curved rectangular sapphire crystal is scratch and chip free, Mint condition. 

BUCKLE: This Obus comes on the desirable heavy solid 18k Cartier adjustable butterfly deployment buckle, a minor work of art in its own right. Unlike the cut-to-fit versions, this modern update allows the wearer to adjust the strap by folding it through one side of the deployant. This very cool (and very pricey!)  Cartier deployant buckle is in Excellent+ cosmetic condition and snaps shut nice and tightly.

STRAP: This great Tank comes on a genuine Cartier burgundy crocodile leather strap that has been used but is still in Excellent condition with no heavy staining to the underside and just a little wear to the strap sides where it has been slid to adjust the size. It is currently sized to my 7 1/4" wrist but has plenty of room for adjustment either way.

BOX: This watch does not come with papers but does come with a large genuine red Cartier box, which I presume to be the original one for it.

As a matter of policy, I make absolutely NO guarantees for the water resistance of this watch in any way, shape or form.

This guaranteed 100% authentic Cartier Obus is offered with a 3-day inspection period from the date of receipt and may be returned for a full refund (less any shipping costs incurred by the buyer). This refund is unconditional and once I get the watch back in exactly the same condition as it was sent to you, your money will be refunded. Of course, once the 3 days are over the sale will be considered FINAL.

Thanks for looking,

T.

tomvox1 AT hotmail DOT com