The Cartier Stepped Tank Hicham Jumbo NYC (Ref. 15716) was retailed at the Cartier NYC boutique in the mid 1970s with total production estimated at about 2,500 units. Due to its scarcity and unique design, the NYC model has become one of the most sought after watches for vintage collectors.
Before the corporate merger of the three boutiques (Paris, London, NYC), each boutique had free rein over their own designs. The Stepped Tank is a tangible example of this individuality, with the NYC model being the only one with four caseback screws instead of a snapping case back, as well as a clean engraved logo and serial on the back plate. The NYC variant also includes an elongated sapphire cabochon similar to some of the 18k gold watch models that were retailed around this time.
The case features 14k gold plating over brass alloy, which was later replaced by 18k gold plating over silver with the post-merger introduction of the Must de Cartier diffusion line. Due to the lower purity, the plating on the Stepped Tank tends to be more durable than the later Must de Cartier vermeil tanks.
The Cartier Stepped Tank Hicham Jumbo NYC (Ref. 15716) was retailed at the Cartier NYC boutique in the mid 1970s with total production estimated at about 2,500 units. Due to its scarcity and unique design, the NYC model has become one of the most sought after watches for vintage collectors.
Before the corporate merger of the three boutiques (Paris, London, NYC), each boutique had free rein over their own designs. The Stepped Tank is a tangible example of this individuality, with the NYC model being the only one with four caseback screws instead of a snapping case back, as well as a clean engraved logo and serial on the back plate. The NYC variant also includes an elongated sapphire cabochon similar to some of the 18k gold watch models that were retailed around this time.
The case features 14k gold plating over brass alloy, which was later replaced by 18k gold plating over silver with the post-merger introduction of the Must de Cartier diffusion line. Due to the lower purity, the plating on the Stepped Tank tends to be more durable than the later Must de Cartier vermeil tanks.
