A solid eighteen carat yellow gold, automatic Cartier Tank Américaine with solid eighteen carat gold deployant buckle. 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 quite 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. Richmont 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 – 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, and also being guilloche engraved. These dials were always applied to the higher tier watches Cartier produced. The likes of the Privé collection, for example. In this reference, the 1740, there is also the small date window located at the six o'clock position. The case shows some light polishing over the years 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 its original Cartier alligator band, with the deployant fully signed and in excellent condition. The watch is powered by Cartier's caliber 120 movement. Working well and keeping excellent time.
Overall, this is a wonderful example of the classic Cartier icon. A model that is increasingly in demand, and very difficult to find, today. Being the biggest size of the model that they made, this watch really has a presence, but also retains an elegance, as only Cartier can really do. It is presented in excellent condition and with its original paperwork.
