A solid eighteen carat white gold Cartier Tank quartz Américaine with factory set diamond bezel on a solid eighteen carat gold link design bracelet. Off the back of one of the most iconic watches of all time, the Cartier Tank which launched in 1917, came the Cartier Cintree. In 1921 the Tank Cintrée (translating to "curved") introduced to the market a long rectangle designed watch with curved case to gently hug the curvature of the wearer's wrist. This was the very first time the Tank had a curved case, something that has been a mainstay of the collection ever since. Let's remember that in 1921 the concept of the wristwatch was still a new and somewhat controversial one, and a non-round wristwatch somewhat of a novel idea. A curved , rectangular watch with such presence on the wrist was quiet groundbreaking! Early examples of the Cintrée are to be found in most of the notable watch collections around the world, with good, clean, honest original versions commanding vast sums of money.
Fast forward to 1989, and Cartier was evolving more into the machine that we see before us today. Richemont now had the reigns and a new model would be introduced to somewhat take the mantle of the beloved Cintrée; the Tank Américaine. The watch was clearly inspired by the Cintrée of old, with its curved case and curved chapter ring, but it differed in a number of ways. One important distinction is that the reverse of the case has a flat case-back instead of the dramatically curved case-back of the Cintrée. The result is a watch that still appears curved while being technically easier to manufacture.
The watch has all the details that Cartier lovers flock to the brand for, and is very similar in appearance to the Tank Allongée that Noel Coward used to wear. Here we have the Roman numeral dial with the hidden signature at the seven o’clock position, chemin de fer minute track, sword blued steel hands and a blue sapphire set winding crown. The "Swiss Made" stamped dial is in perfect condition with an antique white background. This dial colour is a step away from the stark white, glossy, dials found on most Cartier references and serves as a perfect backdrop this white metal this watch comes in. The case has been lightly polished and is in superb condition throughout, with all of the stamping and unique Cartier reference numbers crisp and visible on the case back.
The watch is fitted to this stunning and exceptionally well made solid eighteen carat gold bracelet in a classic chain-like design. The bracelet is superbly constructed in the vein of the heritage of Cartier's luxury jewellery making. This model is still in the line, but this bracelet design is no longer offered, neither is the white gold option, and this finer more elegant double row of diamonds on the case has ben replaced by a single, larger row. The current retail of the watch is over $30,000.
Overall, this is a wonderful example of the classic Cartier icon. A model that is increasingly in demand, and very difficult to find, today. It is presented in near perfect condition and if you prefer the look of white metal, a superb option that can be enjoyed daily.
