Cartier Yellow Gold Tank Obus Maxi, European Watch & Clock

Among the most elusive and compelling expressions of Cartiers wartime production, the Tank Obus Maxi stands apart as a watch defined by proportion, presence, and historical nuance. Produced in the early 1940s, this yellow gold example represents one of the largest Tank Obus configurations of the era, measuring an exceptional 24mm by 36mmdimensions that were remarkably bold for their time and remain striking on the wrist today.

The case is distinguished by the Obus form, with its rounded, bullet-like lugs lending a sculptural softness to the otherwise architectural Tank profile. Crafted in yellow gold and retaining crisp geometry, the watch bears eagle hallmarks, confirming French gold production and underscoring its period-correct origin. These hallmarks, combined with the watchs construction and finishing, firmly situate it within Cartiers wartime outputan era defined by scarcity, improvisation, and subtle departures from prewar norms.

Equally notable is the removable satin-finish gold bracelet, a rare and highly desirable feature that elevates the watch beyond a standard Tank configuration. The bracelets broad, flat links and brushed texture create a fluid, almost jewelry-like presence, while allowing the watch head to be worn independently if desired. Few examples survive with such bracelets intact, making this an especially compelling offering.

The dial is a study in classic Cartier restraint: a warm cream ground with elongated Roman numerals, chemin-de-fer minute track, and blued steel hands. The proportions of the dial are particularly well-balanced for the oversized case, giving the watch a sense of calm authority rather than overt flamboyance. At its heart is a European Watch & Clock movement, entirely correct for the period and consistent with Cartiers reliance on high-quality ebauches during the 1940s.

Rare, historically resonant, and unusually large, this Tank Obus Maxi represents a confluence of design, craftsmanship, and wartime circumstance. It is a watch for the collector who values not only iconography, but the subtle deviations that define truly important vintage Cartier.