Cartier Tank “Pallisandre de Rio” “Tank Wood” Mohogany Full Set Box Papers Ref 20611 from 1977

Cartier Tank “Pallisandre de Rio”

Reference 20611 From 1977

Full Set – Originally Sold at Cartier New York – Unworn

An extraordinary and highly collectible example of the legendary Cartier Tank “Pallisandre de Rio”, also known as the Tank Wood. Produced during Cartier’s most experimental and daring design era of the mid-1970s, this reference stands among the rarest and most intriguing Tank models ever created.

This particular example is preserved in outstanding, near-new condition and remains a remarkably complete collector’s set — almost impossible to find today.

Case

• Dimensions: 25 × 30 mm (large size for the era)

• Condition: Like new, unworn

• Original caseback sticker still present

• Original mineral glass, spotless

The case retains sharp geometry and crisp edges, showing virtually no signs of wear. Finding a nearly 50-year-old Cartier in this untouched condition is exceptionally rare.

Originally sold at the Cartier New York City Boutique in 1977, this piece represents a true time capsule from one of Cartier’s most creative periods.

The Story – Cartier’s Bold Material Experiment

In the mid-1970s, Cartier boldly explored unconventional materials beyond traditional precious metals. The Pallisandre de Rio model is the most poetic and daring outcome of that experimentation.

Crafted using exotic Brazilian rosewood, this Tank broke every convention of classical watchmaking design. Production lasted only a short period (circa 1975–1976), with approximately 3,000 pieces believed to have been made before discontinuation. This example was sold in 1977!

Today, it stands as one of the rarest Tank references ever produced — and even rarer in full-set condition.

Dial

The highlight of this watch is its stunning Pallisandre de Rio wood dial.

Each dial is unique due to its natural grain, meaning no two examples are identical. The warmth and organic depth of the wood create a completely different aesthetic from traditional lacquer or enamel dials.

This example is beautifully preserved, with rich tone and flawless surface — a true collector-grade dial.

Movement

• Manual-wind Cartier movement

• Recently serviced

• Running excellently and keeping accurate time

The movement has been professionally serviced and performs exactly as it should, making this watch not only highly collectible but fully functional and wearable.

Strap & Buckle

• Original Cartier leather strap (perfect for collectors wishing to preserve originality)

• Original Cartier buckle

• Period correct and beautifully preserved

Retaining the original strap and buckle significantly enhances collectability — especially on a rare 1970s reference such as this.

Set & Provenance

• Full set

• Cartier box and original papers from 1977

• Originally sold at Cartier New York

• Never worn

Finding a Tank Pallisandre de Rio is rare. Finding one:

• Unworn

• With caseback sticker

• With original strap and buckle

• With box and papers

• Originally sold at Cartier New York

…is exceptionally difficult and nearly impossible in today’s market.

Key Details

• Model: Cartier Tank “Pallisandre de Rio” / Tank Wood

• Reference: 20611

• Year: 1977 (original sale)

• Case Size: 25 × 30 mm

• Crystal: Original mineral glass

• Dial: Original Pallisandre de Rio wood

• Movement: Manual wind

• Strap: Original Cartier leather

• Buckle: Original Cartier

• Condition: Like new, unworn

• Service: Recently serviced, running excellent

Why This Watch?

The Tank Pallisandre de Rio is not simply rare — it represents a short, daring chapter in Cartier’s history when the maison challenged traditional luxury codes and redefined elegance through unexpected materials.

With its exceptional preservation, full original set, New York boutique provenance, and untouched condition nearly 50 years later, this is a true grail-level piece for serious Cartier collectors.

An artistic statement.
A historical artifact.
A museum-worthy example of 1970s Cartier innovation.