Cartier Tank Cintrée, Platinum

Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, the Tank became publicly available in 1919, in very limited numbers. The Tank Cintrée was itself launched two years later (in 1921), developing on the design traits of the original. With its unmistakable DNA and Cartier’s timeless style, the reference's elongated rectangular case and elegant curves, quickly became a classic. Vintage executions of the Tank Cintrée were made in extremely limited numbers, and examples that remain in original condition come up for public sale infrequently, making them as elusive, as they are attractive. 

Cased in platinum, the Cintrée is both slightly longer and slimmer than the larger Américaine, measuring 46.3mm by 23mm. Curved and measuring just 7.2mm thick, the Tank Cintrée serves as an elegant dress watch, fitting perfectly beneath the cuff. It hugs the wrist, in a way that is both supremely comfortable, yet distinctively elegant and characterful. The platinum variant applies a finishing touch, in the form of a ruby cabochon, set in the beaded crown. This particular watch (No. 07X/100) comes on its original Cartier-signed, semi-matt, grey alligator strap, with matching 14mm platinum tang buckle.

Beneath the curved mineral crystal, the dial is heavily inspired by vintage Cartier, with a lightly-grained, grey dial, accented by tone-on-tone print on the railway minute track. The polished indexes and decorative, applied Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock complete the dial, adding further tonal highlights. The overall restrained styling, combined with the slightly ornate Arabic numerals, creates an elegant balance. Above the dial, the sword-hands are blackened-steel, adding a nice touch of contrast to the watch.

On the reverse, beneath a solid, satin-brushed case-back, the manually-wound Calibre 8971 MC is found, based upon Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Calibre 846, with a power-reserve of 36 hours.

The combination of an iconic, classic Cartier design, in the brand's most coveted metal, explains the appeal of this limited edition Tank Cintrée. 

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Cartier
Model:	Tank Cintrée
Movement:	mechanical manual-winding Cal. 8971 MC
Functions:	hours, minutes
Features:	silver dial, solid case back, blackened steel sword-hands, ruby cabochon
Case:	46.3 x 23 mm platinum
Crystal:	curved mineral crystal
Bracelet:	semi-matte grey Cartier alligator strap with platinum buckle
Year:	December 2018
Box & papers:	full-set: box and papers