Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2020 Reference No: W2609756 Movement No: 03’212 Case No: 2926, 122550LX Model Name: Tank Américaine Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 191, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 22.6mm width x 41.6mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Cartier International Warranty dated 1st February 2020, Cartier care booklet, instruction manual, hang tag, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Featuring its signature long rectangular-shaped case, the Cartier Tank Américaine is with no doubt an elegant and iconic timepiece manufactured by the acclaimed Parisian House of Luxury. The case is elongated with enhanced pronounced curves compared to its regular Tank model.
The present example in 18K yellow gold with an extra-large case is preserved in excellent overall condition with very minimal signs of wear. The large case dimension provides a prominent presence on the wrist. Accompanied by the full set of accessories, the present example is attractive and retains its warranty with its card stamped 2020.
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.