The Cartier Tank Obus was introduced in 1923 and has only been produced in extremely limited numbers since. The Obus stands out among the Tank family as it does not feature the iconic vertical bars found, among others, on the Tank Louis. As the name Obus—which means bullet or shell in French—betrays, the distinguishing characteristics of this model are the exquisite bullet-shaped lugs.

While more recent executions of the Obus have a distinct square shape, this early model features an elegant 18k yellow gold rectangular case measuring in at 19 x 32 mm. The classic white dial sports Cartier’s iconic painted Roman numerals and elegant blued sword hands that match the sapphire-tipped crown. The ‘Paris’ signature at the six o’clock position indicates that this watch was retailed by Cartier’s flagship boutique at Paris’ Place Vendôme.

This lovely and obscure Tank Obus has just returned from a full service at Cartier as attested to by the accompanying service papers. The watch comes on a black alligator leather strap with an 18k yellow gold Cartier deployant buckle.