CARTIER | TANK OBUS, REF.16302, A YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH BULLET-SHAPED LUGS, CIRCA 2005

Footnotes

The Cartier Tank Obus reference 16302, a quartz-powered evolution of the iconic Tank line, embodies the maison's Art Deco ingenuity in a compact 24mm square case. Produced circa 1990–2005, it revives the "Obus" design—French for "shell"—first introduced in 1923 as a bold departure from the 1917 Tank Louis Cartier. While the original Tank drew from World War I Renault tanks, the Obus innovated with cylindrical, bullet-shaped lugs for a squared silhouette, blending military precision with Parisian elegance. This reference, part of Cartier's 1980s–2000s quartz era, scaled production for accessibility yet retained bespoke charm amid the wristwatch's post-WWI rise.

Conceived during Cartier's experimental phase, the Obus was a special-order rarity, with only 2,200 total wristwatches crafted before 1965—handmade testaments to early 20th-century horology. The 16302 arrives in the quartz revolution of the 1970s–80s, when Cartier democratized luxury, powering it with the reliable Caliber 157 (4 jewels). It echoes the Obus's role in diversifying Tank variants like the Cintrée and Asymétrique, offering a playful square footprint amid rectangular dominance. Worn by tastemakers, it symbolized understated sophistication, bridging vintage scarcity with modern wearability.

Crafted in 18K yellow gold with polished finishes, the 16302 features a silvered dial with bold Roman numerals, chemin de fer minute track, blued feuille hands, and a cabochon crown. Its asymmetrical bullet lugs flow seamlessly into a leather strap with gold buckle, measuring 24mm x 29mm for unisex appeal. The quartz movement ensures precision, with a date window at 3 o'clock—subtle nods to functionality over flash.

Though serial-produced unlike pre-1965 rarities, the 16302's niche square design renders it overlooked versus Tank Louis icons, amplifying its allure. No exact figures exist, but 1980s–2000s Obus outputs were modest, with gold quartz models and pristine examples rarer due to patina and service history. The Cartier Tank Obus reference 16302 offers entry-level vintage Tank rarity, prized by collectors for its "hidden gem" status and rising Cartier demand.