Cartier Tank Obus XS

Conceived from Louis Cartier’s seminal Tank of 1917, the Tank Obus stands among the collection’s most elusive and aesthetically distinctive interpretations, celebrated for its compact geometry and signature “obus” (bullet) lugs—an architectural detail that elevates the design into true Parisian object d’art. This XS example from circa the 1970s captures the era’s refined minimalism with particular purity: an 18kt yellow-gold case framing a crisp white dial with black Roman numerals and chemin de fer minute track, crowned by Cartier’s emblematic sapphire cabochon. Preserved in excellent condition with a well-kept case, clean crystal, and an original, unrestored dial, it offers the kind of authenticity collectors prioritize when selecting historically correct Tank variants. For the investment-aware collector, the Tank Obus XS sits at the intersection of scarcity, design pedigree, and enduring cultural relevance—an understated, museum-grade Cartier that wears with discretion yet reads unmistakably iconic.