The Cartier Tank Basculante was introduced in 1932, one year after the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Unlike the Reverso, which slides and flips horizontally, the Basculante's case is set within a frame and flips vertically, allowing the wearer to hide the dial. The reference W1016730 is a modern, quartz-powered version of the Tank Basculante. It features a stainless steel case measuring approximately 24mm x 38mm, with a grey textured dial, printed Roman numerals, and sword-shaped hands.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 9 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: 2006 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 25x38mm Thickness: approx. 7mm Lug Width: approx. 18mm
Case: Steel vertically reversible case, mirrored finish, light visible wear Bezel: Steel plain bezel, mixed finish, light visible wear Dial: Blue-grey textured dial, printed roman numerals and running tracks Hands: Blued-steel sword hands
Crown: Steel pull-down crown at 12 o'clock with sapphire cabochon inlay, light visible wear Crystal: Original sapphire crystal, light visible wear Bracelet: Leather strap, light visible wear Caseback: Solid steel caseback, light visible wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche