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1971 CARTIER Ladies "Collection Privee" Level Ultra Rare Tank Watch by Audemars Piguet - 18K Gold
1 of Approx. 50 Made - All Original - High Grade AP Movement

Very Fine & Rare Cartier Tank with Original Audemars Piguet High Grade Movement

Today's Watch of the Week showcases this exceedingly rare and high-grade ladies Cartier Tank made by Audemars Piguet in a limited edition of approx. 50 watches. It is all-original.

Designed personally by Louis Cartier in 1917 and patterned after an army tank, Cartier's iconic Tank watch symbolized speed, achievement, and being unstoppable.

Worn by Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and many other elegant ladies, Cartier Tank is truly iconic in the world of vintage dress watches.

If you're a Cartier connoisseur, you likely know of the Tank's history. But when you think nothing could surprise you, along comes this Cartier Tank powered by an Audemars Piguet manual-winding movement - a true rarity. Audemars Piguet's archives have previously confirmed that these watches with manual-winding caliber K2001 movement were produced by Audemars Piguet in 1971 and that the case was also likely made by them as well. This extremely limited production run (of only approximately 50 pieces) was subcontracted by Cartier in the 1970s. One of these watches was owned by Hollywood actress and photographer Jean Howard who had been married to producer Charles K. Feldman.

This extremely fine and exceptionally rare version of the Tank would be similar to the more recent Collection Privee or Cartier Fine Watchmaking specialized elite level watches, except much more rare.

By the 1960's and 70's Cartier had switched to using basic ETA based movements in nearly all of their Tank watches. The ETA movements they used were off-the shelf movements with very little finishing. They are very basic, and unbranded ones today can be bought for $25 and even brand new ones for less than $100. We have a photo of one in the listing.

They stand in stark contrast to the movement found in this Tank. Like only the very finest watches in the world - select watches from the likes of Patek, AP, and V & C, it is adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and even isochronism. Isochronism is the amount of wind left in the movement. Most watches slow down slightly as their power reserve moves toward empty. That is not the case with this watch. And like Pateks from the era and following it has a free-sprung balance with gold Microstella screws on the balance for regulating it rather than a traditional regulator.

Besides its refined movement, it also has a classic silver Roman dial, cabochon crown, and blued steel hands. Because of its rarity we have left it all-original. Please inquire if you would like a high-quality restoration for the tropical toned dial.

We love special high-grade Tanks like this. To us, given the Tank's illustrious history of being worn by some of the most prominent and elegant individuals that walked the plant, this is what a Tank should be - supremely elegant and well-executed.

One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center, has fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new correct mainspring and mineral crystal, polishing the pivots, and reassembling and lubricating the movement (an $895 value).

If you are looking for a timelessly classic high-end ladies watch, this is a great choice. You'll be the only person you know with this special Audemars Piguet for Cartier special edition Tank.

Like always, included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Price - $9,495

Timepiece's Finer Points:
Dial: White with Roman numerals, signed Cartier, original and untouched Please inquire if you would like a high-quality restoration.	Crystal: Mineral glass, mint condition
Case: Solid 18K gold, signed Cartier, secured with 4 gold screws, mens size, 20.5mm wide (excluding crown), 28mm long lug tip-to-tip	Band: Exotic leather, unsigned, remborde, excellent condition with what appears to be the watch's original gold-plated buckle
Movement: Extremely high quality, Audemars Piguet caliber 2001 for Cartier, manually wound, rhodium-plated, fausses cttes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjustment to five positions and temperatures and isochronism, Microstella regulator	Functions: Hours and Minutes
Crown: Gold, topped with cabochon style

Detailed Appraisal:

Manufacturer: Cartier
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: 1971
Functions: Hours and Minutes
Designed for: Ladies
Case material: 18K gold
Case markings (outside): Official Cartier registration numbers (partially legible)
Case condition: Scratch-free with previous signs of polishing
Dial: White with Roman numerals, signed Cartier, original and untouched

Please inquire if you would like a high-quality restoration for the tropically toned dial.
Dimensions: 20.5mm wide (excluding crown), 28mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Original, blue steel "batons"
Movement type: Extremely high quality, Audemars Piguet caliber 2001 for Cartier, manually wound, rhodium-plated, fausses cttes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjustment to five positions and temperatures and isochronism, Microstella regulator

Crystal: Mineral glass, mint condition
Band: Exotic leather, unsigned, remborde, excellent condition with what appears to be the watch's original gold-plated buckle
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center, has fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new correct mainspring and mineral crystal, polishing the pivots, and reassembling and lubricating the movement (an $895 value).

Timing: We have timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping generally accurate vintage time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity

100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price. Simply notify us and send it back anytime within 14 days after it has been received. Our goal is to exceed your expectations throughout the buying experience. View our feedback and shop with confidence.

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Connoisseur of Time, Inc.
1000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suite 6-343
Suwanee, GA 30024
U.S.A.

1.866.204.1267

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SELLING POLICIES

100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with it, you are welcome to return it anytime within 7 days for a full refund of the purchase price. Our goal is to exceed your throughout the buying experience.
All items are packaged carefully and mailed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items.
The water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof

Because of the high rate of lost items and number of fraudulent payments, we do not sell or ship to Indonesia or Africa.

SHIPPING

Domestic shipping is by UPS Ground or USPS Express Mail.

International shipments will sent via U.S. International Express Mail or FedEx fully insured.

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Manufacturer: Cartier

Country of origin: Switzerland

Designed for: Ladies

Case material: 18K gold

Case markings (outside): Official Cartier registration numbers (partially legible)

Case condition: Scratch-free with previous signs of polishing

Dial: White with Roman numerals, signed Cartier, original and untouched Please inquire if you would like a high-quality restoration for the tropically toned dial.

Dimensions: 20.5mm wide (excluding crown), 28mm long lug tip-to-tip

Hands: Original, blue steel "batons"

Crystal: Mineral glass, mint condition

Band: Exotic leather, unsigned, remborde, excellent condition with what appears to be the watch's original gold-plated buckle

Timing: We have timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping generally accurate vintage time.

Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity

Dial: White with Roman numerals, signed Cartier, original and untouched

Please inquire if you would like a high-quality restoration for the tropically toned dial.