Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 2022 Reference No: 4390, CRWHTA0015 Case No: 006/100 Model Name: Tank Chinoise, Cartier Privé Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 9627 MC, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Cartier strap Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Cartier pin buckle Dimensions: 39.5mm Length x 29.20mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Origin dated 20th July 2022, International limited warranty confirming the present timepiece to be number 06 of a limited edition of 100 pieces, original invoice, service booklet, instruction manuals, loupe, polishing cloth, additional Cartier strap, strap changing tool, red document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Officially released in 2022, for the centenary of the original Tank Chinoise, the redesigned Tank is directly inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. Originally released in 1922, it was made available with both a solid dial and openwork version and cased in platinum, like the present example. Released alongside other more known models like the Cartier Cintrée, Basculante, and original Tank, the Tank Chinoise further enhanced the resurgence of interest in Europe of East Asian decorative arts, which had peaked in the previous century with the Rococo movement.
Inside, visible thanks to the rectilinear dial, beats the hand-wind skeleton movement, the 9627 MC. Interestingly, instead of Roman numerals, as one would expect from Cartier’s skeleton movements, the bridges and base plate have been open-worked to form Chinese-inspired geometric pattern. Featuring cobalt blue and burgundy lacquer colours, the geometrical patterns diminish the angularity and edges of the case, giving the watch a pleasant feel on the wrist.
Fresh to the auction market, in excellent condition and complete of its full set of accessories, the present example is number 6 of a limited edition of 100 pieces: The Cartier Tank Chinoise is a glowing jewel in the crown of the “jeweller of kings, king of jewellers” and an opportunity not to be missed.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.
Ref. 4390, CRWHTA0015 A sublime and technically impressive limited edition platinum skeletonized wristwatch with guarantee and presentation box, numbered 6 of a limited edition of 100 pieces
2022 39.5mm Length x 29.20mm Width Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed