The Tank Basculante was introduced in 1932, at a time when men required a wristwatch that could be protected during pursuits such as hunting or playing polo. The tilting action of the Tank Basculante is closely related to that of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso, which was released around the same period. In fact, Jaeger-LeCoultre manufactured the Basculante cases for Cartier during that era. Like the Reverso, the Tank Basculante was designed to be flipped over, allowing the crystal and dial to be protected during sporting activities and other situations where the watch might be exposed to damage. The name “Tank Basculante” translates directly from French as “the tilting Tank.” This ingenious tilting action is made possible by a clever mechanism that allows the watch head to swing within its frame and flip upside down. Thanks to its ability to rotate a full 360 degrees, the Basculante can even be positioned upright and used as a small table clock. As with many of Cartier’s more experimental designs, the Basculante was never produced in large numbers and was eventually discontinued, remaining in the archives until its reintroduction in the 1990s. This reference 2391 is a beautiful example dating to the year 2000 and features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 25 × 38.5 mm. It is distinguished by a unique engraved case back created to celebrate the turn of the millennium, bearing the dates “1999,” “2000,” and “2001.” This watch was produced as a strictly numbered limited edition of just 365 pieces. The white dial features elegant guilloché engraving and Cartier’s iconic painted black Roman numerals, complete with the hidden “Cartier” signature within the VII numeral. Completing the classic Cartier aesthetic are the unmistakable blued sword hands. The watch is paired with a beige leather strap and fitted with an 18k Cartier gold folding clasp. The hand-wound movement has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker and is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. Agreat opportunity to acquire one of Cartier’s most charming and mechanically clever creations, get in touch ! Specifications: Cartier Tank Basculante reference 2391 18 k Yellow gold case in 25 × 38.5 mm , with tilting mechanism Limited Number 2xx out 365 produced watches Dates to year 2000 Silver Guilloché dial with painted gloss black Roman numerals Blued hands Comes on pictured leather strap with original Cartier 18 k gold folding clasp Cartier manual wind movement Fully checked by our watchmaker One-year mechanical warranty Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping