Cartier Tank Wood ref.21611 "Palissandre de Rio" Large from 1975

Cartier created the "pre-Must'' Cartier Tank Organic watches in the mid-'70s, with two versions: refs. 20611 (medium) and 21611 (jumbo). These watches were crafted in a rare Brazilian rosewood called Palissandre De Rio, featuring wooden side panels and a matching-grained wood dial. The timepieces had a yellow gold-plated case, gold Roman numeral hour markers, and gold epée hands.

The Tank Organic design was highly unconventional for Cartier, standing out from their other unusual shapes produced over the years, especially those made by Jean-Jacques for Cartier London.

The Cartier Organic line only existed briefly from around 1975 to 1976. It was discontinued in 1976 when Cartier underwent a corporate reorganization, consolidating the previously separate companies into one unified organization.

Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Wood Large
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Reference Number: 21611
Material: 20 Micron Gold Plate
Dimensions: 25x33mm
Crystal Material: Plexiglass
Luminous Material: No
Caliber: 2512
Type of Machinery: Manual Winding
Strap Width: 18mm
Strap: Alligator Italian strap
Box/Papers: No

Comments: the watch was subjected to a mechanical service, gold plating is very aged.