Cartier Tank Basculante

Circa 2001

Reference 2405

Stainless Steel

White Dial

Red Alligator Strap

Quartz movement

Double-Sided

The Cartier Tank Basculante, introduced in 1933, was heavily influenced by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso—a sports watch designed to flip within its case to shield the crystal.

While both shared the same protective goal, they differed in execution. Unlike the Reverso’s horizontal flip, the Basculante rotated on a vertical axis. This unique 360-degree swing allowed the watch to be locked in an upright position mid-rotation, effectively transforming the wristwatch into a miniature table clock. The watch also can be flipped completely to protect the dial.