1975 Cartier Tank Palissandre De Rio Wood Dial & Case

Year: Circa 1975 
Model: Pallisandre de Rio
Case Diameter: 24mm 
Lug to Lug: 30mm
Case: Gold Plated  
Dial: Brazilian Rosewood
Movement: Manual wind

Condition

The wood trim on the dial and case sides is all still in great condition. The case back shows some wear, but nothing that would affect wearability. The watch does come with a non-cabochon crown, which is not original but looks quite fitting with its design. It also comes on our suede strap with its original buckle.

A funky and daring design by Cartier. This 'Pre-Must' Tank is not one you would expect from the brand, but it did happen.

Cartier London collaborated with New York in the mid-1970s to create a unique Tank watch that would be made from rare Brazilian rosewood (Pallisandre de Rio) paired with a gold-plated case. This rare watch was produced for a year, from 1975 to 1976, before being discontinued.

The ref. 20611, the medium size, was the London boutique edition. Sized at approximately 24mm by 30mm, with a Cartier calibre 78-1 manual wind mechanical movement. Only around 3000 pieces were produced, making these Pallisandre de Rio fairly rare.

Cartier, a luxury watch brand, has been synonymous with elegance, innovation, and timeless appeal since its inception in 1847. The brand's early creations, including the Cartier Santos and Cartier Tank, were an embodiment of aesthetic innovation and mechanical mastery, merging the finesse of jewelry with the functionality of timekeeping. As the brand grew, so did the family's involvement, as the children and grandchildren of Louis-François Cartier expanded the business and opened boutiques in various cosmopolitan cities.

The turn of the 20th century marked a revolutionary phase for Cartier, with the introduction of the Cartier Santos, which was designed for the famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and became one of the first wristwatches designed explicitly for men. The Cartier Tank watch, inspired by the geometric design of military tanks, was a symbol of modernity and minimalistic elegance. The uniquely shaped Cartier Tonneau broke away from conventional circular designs, demonstrating Cartier's commitment to artistic creativity and mechanical excellence.

Cartier's success in the early 20th century was not limited to its pioneering designs; it also saw an era of global expansion that cemented its status as an international symbol of luxury and prestige. By 1902, Cartier opened its doors in London, positioning the brand within one of the world's major cultural and financial hubs. In 1909, Cartier opened its New York boutique, tapping into the vibrant American market.

Through strategic collaborations with local artisans, careful selection of materials, and a deep understanding of regional tastes, Cartier transformed from a Parisian marvel into an international sensation. The Cartier watch became more than a French luxury; it became a global emblem of style and refinement, transcending geographical boundaries to become a timeless classic. This era of expansion validated Cartier's enduring appeal, demonstrating that true luxury, as epitomized by Cartier's watches, knows no borders and speaks a universal language of elegance and excellence.