Cartier is responsible for some of the most recognizable and successful wristwatches in the history of modern horology. The definitive expert on watch design, the French maison has always been a leader in challenging conventional approaches to watchmaking while pioneering new styling as a fixture in the broader fashion world.
Few watches have played a larger role in solidifying this brand identity than the Tank. Undoubtedly the most iconic watch in Cartier’s history and conceived based on a simple idea, it’s evolved to take myriad forms over the years, with over a dozen sub-designs that each has its own identity and presence. After the release of the Tank, the watch space was changed forever.
Introduced in 1917 based upon an idea from Louis Cartier, the great-grandson of Cartier’s founder, the Tank took inspiration from a French military vehicle from the First World War — the Renault FT-17. The look of the Tank was striking and revolutionary: rectangular and unconventional for the period, it was also one of the earliest wristwatches to be popularly accepted by men.
After 1917, Cartier saw a surge in interest in its uniquely shaped watches and more and more Cartier Tank models were born that built on the model's underlying design philosophy from the 1910s. The Tank Cintrée was introduced in 1921, the Louis and Chinoise in 1922, the Basculante in 1933, the Asymetrique in 1936, and so on.
While each model has its own unique personality, the Tank Cintrée is probably the most romantic. With its cambered case, elongated, dramatic dial style, and unique wrist presence, it has an extremely unique personality that is incredibly alluring.
This particular Tank Cintrée, a limited edition Ref. 2767 for the Asian market, was produced in 100 pieces in 2005. A dual-time model, its twin dials feature both Arabic-numeral indices as well as Chinese characters, making it perfect for frequent travelers as well as collectors of limited and market-specific editions.
Measuring 25mm in diameter by 43mm lug-to-lug in 18K white gold, its curved case features dual sapphire-set cabochon crowns, a sapphire crystal, and a caseback secured by four screws. Its handsome silvered dial, meanwhile, features many familiar Cartier hallmarks: dual 'railroad' minute tracks, dual sets of blued steel 'sword' hands, and a set of printed black 'Roman' numeral indices for the upper dial. The lower, however, features Chinese characters at the cardinal indices.
Accompanied by its boxes and pamphlets and powered by identical manually-wound movements, this magnificent, limited-edition Cintrée is a playful twist on a beloved, dressy silhouette from the 'King of Jewelers.' Paired to its signed black Cartier alligator leather strap with 18K white gold folding clasp, it's the perfect wrist-companion for the globe-trotting business person.