Record-Breaking Vintage Cartier Tank at Fellows Auction

A rare vintage Cartier Tank has set a new record at Fellows Auctioneers, becoming the most expensive Cartier watch ever sold by the house. This remarkable timepiece from 1973 went under the hammer as Lot 29 in Fellows’ latest watch auction on October 31, fetching an impressive £44,850 (including fees) after an intense bidding war with 71 bids from 17 different participants.. A testament to the enduring allure and rarity of vintage Cartier.

The Cartier Tank boasts both historical significance and unique features. With hallmarks dating it to 1973, it is believed to be one of the last “London Cartiers” produced before the reunification of the brand’s international branches – a pivotal moment in Cartier’s history.

The watch also retains its original clasp and features a “hidden screw” case, details highly prized by collectors and aficionados. This sale far surpassed Fellows’ previous Cartier record, set in January 2021 by a Cartier Tonneau, which sold for £15,312 (including fees). That piece, once owned by a World War I captain who fought on the Western Front, garnered significant interest due to its storied past. However, the 1973 Cartier Tank, with its rare London origin and pristine condition, has now set a new benchmark for the auction house.

Nathan Boot, cataloguer at Fellows, shared the team’s excitement: “When we first saw the hallmarks revealing the London origin of the watch, we knew we had something special, as LondonCartiers are extremely rare. We’re thrilled by the watch’s reception and incredibly pleased with this extraordinary result.”

Antonella Reina, Editor VO+