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1975 Cartier Tank Palissandre de Rio 20611 - Brazilian Rosewood & Vermeil

Details
An Organic Departure From The Norm
In the mid-1970s, during a period of bold design experimentation, Cartier created one of the most unusual and daring iterations of its most iconic watch. The Tank Palissandre de Rio was a short-lived project, produced for only about a year between 1975 and 1976. By cladding the classic Tank form in Brazilian Rosewood, Cartier broke from its own convention of using precious metals, creating a watch that was warm, organic, and entirely unexpected. With a total production of only 3,000 pieces, it remains one of the rarest Tank references ever made.
The Definition Of Unconventional
The design's unconventional nature is defined by its materials. The use of vermeil, or gold-plated metal, is paired with panels of rich Brazilian Rosewood along the case sides and across the entire dial. This was a radical departure for Cartier, which had built its reputation on precious metals and stones. The natural grain of the wood ensures that no two examples are exactly alike, giving each piece a unique character. This reference stands apart from the entire Tank lineage, making it a definitive choice for a collector who appreciates the brand's more adventurous side.
An Honest Example From A Daring Era
The Brazilian Rosewood dial and case panels are well-preserved, showcasing the deep, natural grain of the wood. The vermeil case is in good condition, consistent with a watch from this period. It is fitted on a leather strap with its original Cartier buckle, completing the authentic presentation of this rare and short-lived reference. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
For The Collector Who Has Seen It All
This is not the standard Tank that everyone recognizes. It is a specific and intentional choice for someone who understands the deeper history of Cartier and wants a watch that tells a different story. It is a conversation piece that sidesteps the typical formality of the model in favor of something more artistic and experimental. The daily ritual of winding the manual movement creates a direct connection to a unique chapter in the brand's history, a moment when Cartier proved it could look beyond its own traditions.
Key Specs
Reference: 20611
Model: Tank Palissandre de Rio
Year: 1975
Movement: Manual
Case Size: 25 X 30mm
Bezel: Brazilian Rosewood, Vermeil
Bracelet: Leather with Original Buckle
Dial: Brazilian Rosewood
Metal: Vermeil, Brazilian Rosewood
SKU: 1240