Cartier 20611 Wood Tank 1975s

Introduced exclusively in 1975, the Ref. 20611 stands as one of the most unconventional Tank models ever produced by Cartier.

Its defining feature is the incorporation of genuine natural wood—a material rarely associated with fine watchmaking.

The case is constructed from a gold-plated body finished with a 20-micron electroplated gold layer, into which a solid wooden middle case and matching wooden dial are carefully integrated. It was an exceptionally bold design for its time, and no subsequent Tank models continued this concept.

As a result, the Ref. 20611 occupies a unique place in Cartier’s history.

While most Tank models of the 1970s were equipped with quartz movements, this example retains a manually wound movement.

Inside is the ETA Caliber 2512, a reliable 18,000-vph movement widely adopted by Cartier across the Tank collection and numerous other references.

The movement incorporates gold chatons for the escape-wheel jewel, enhancing durability, while the Incabloc shock-protection system safeguards the balance against both vertical and lateral impacts.

Beneath its striking appearance lies a movement engineered with practicality, longevity, and reliability in mind.

Natural wood. Manual winding. A reference produced for only a single year.

Together, these elements make the Ref. 20611 one of the most distinctive and historically significant interpretations of the Cartier Tank ever created.

- wrist size in our picture is 17cm circumference -