60 - CARTIER REF. 2512, TANK “PALISSANDRE DE RIO”, GOLD-PLATED AND WOOD A rare and unusual gold-plated and rosewood manually wound rectangular wristwatch with wood dial and applied Roman numerals.

CARTIER REF. 2512, TANK “PALISSANDRE DE RIO”, GOLD-PLATED AND WOOD A rare and unusual gold-plated and rosewood manually wound rectangular wristwatch with wood dial and applied Roman numerals. Year: Circa 1980 Dial: Rosewood dial with applied gilt Roman numeral hour markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, gilt sword hands and applied Cartier signature. Calibre: Cartier-signed manually wound mechanical movement, based on ETA calibre 2512, 17 jewels. Case: Rectangular gold-plated case with rosewood side panels, fluted crown set with tiger eye cabochon and snap-on case back, ref. 2512, numbered 20611 and 330. Dimensions: Approx. 23 x 30 mm Gross Weight: Approx. 21.8 g Bracelet/Strap: Brown crocodile leather strap with gilt Cartier-style pin buckle. Signature: Dial, movement and case. Among Cartier’s most unconventional creations of the 1970s, the Tank “Palissandre de Rio” stands out for its remarkable use of natural materials. Produced for a brief period before the introduction of the Must de Cartier collection, this unusual interpretation combines a gold-plated case with Brazilian rosewood side panels and a matching wooden dial. The rich grain of the wood gives each example its own distinctive character, while the familiar Tank proportions and applied Roman numerals preserve the unmistakable elegance of Cartier’s design. A rare and charming expression of the maison’s creative freedom.