![150th-Anniversary-Cartier-Tank-Basculante 150th-Anniversary-Cartier-Tank-Basculante](https://hairspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Hero-120-1-1024x618.jpg)
150th Anniversary Cartier Tank Basculante
Of all the innumerable iterations of the Tank, the Basculante (literally translates as tilting) is perhaps Cartier’s most spellbinding. This particular Basculante is a mechanique, released after the CPCP iteration and powered by the F. Piguet, gold, hand-wound calibre 610 in 1997 as part of the ‘I Love Cartier’ collection commemorating the manufacture’s 150th. If it is not a Basculante you’ve seen, that’s easily forgiven: the release was limited to just 150 examples.
![150th-Anniversary-Cartier-Tank-Basculante](https://hairspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Hero-121-1.jpg)
The reversing case design shown here was released by Cartier just a year after the Reverso, 1932. This was a decade which saw an immense rise in recreational sport, particularly tennis and polo. In order to protect the fragile crystal, the case was capable of bury its face upside-down. Interestingly, Cartier’s flipping mechanism was patented exclusively by Lecoultre, truly the watchmaker’s watchmaker.
![150th-Anniversary-Cartier-Tank-Basculante](https://hairspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Hero-124-1.jpg)
Most compelling to my eye, this anniversary version has a central dial guilloché pattern unique to it, set against a blued steel hour and minute hand. Nearly every Cartier wristwatch features a jeweled crown. However, use of ruby has always been reserved for Cartier’s most special pieces. Here, the ruby is integrated in a sort of pull tab for the vertically hinged and articulating case, unique to this design.
![150th-Anniversary-Cartier-Tank-Basculante](https://hairspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Hero-122-e1656207789611-1.jpg)
This example is sharp. Its case sports full factory proportion, minimal surface wear. The back engravings are extremely deep. Original yellow gold buckle and full set included. It comes from a well-regarded Belgian retailer.
Find this 150th Basculante here from Mr Watchley for 20850 EUR.