Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 1998 Reference No: 1734 Model Name: Tank Americaine Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 430MC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 45mm x 26.5mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate, red leather presentation box, red leather folder with product literature, “Collection Privée” booklet and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
There are few names in the world of haute horlogerie and jewellery that attract more admiration than Cartier. Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, from its beginnings, the legendary firm has been associated with exquisite craftsmanship and classic, sophisticated elegance. In 1904, Cartier created the world’s first men’s wristwatch to incorporate integrated lugs for the renowned aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont. Following on the success of this early timepiece, Cartier realised the Baignoire and Tortue in 1912, and in 1917, the revolutionary “Tank”. Designed near the end of World War I, the inspiration for the Tank’s groundbreaking form came from the top view of the very first Renault military tank vehicle deployed that same year. In 1921, Cartier introduced the Tank Cintrée a long slender wristwatch with gracefully arching case that measured a dramatic 46mm long by 23mm wide. The design broke the mold for the typical round watch.
In 1989, Cartier updated the elegance of the Cintrée with the release of the Tank Americaine, a modern wristwatch with stronger, more masculine dimensions than the Cintrée. A milestone in the evolution of the Tank, the Tank Americaine was the very first curved Tank watch from Cartier to be designed with a water-resistant case.
The present example is in excellent overall condition with a crisp case and its original factory finish. The white guilloché dial displays Cartier’s traditional Roman numerals and secret signature at 7 o’clock. For over 100 years, the Tank has been part of Cartier’s history, and is one of the most recognized models on the market. Consigned by the family of the original owner, this Tank Americaine, complete with its box and original certificate, is a wonderful opportunity to be part of that history.
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.