The classic Tank Cintrée was re-introduced by in 2018, at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), in three differing case-metals: platinum, pink gold, and yellow gold. Each bears its own vintage-inspired dial, with the gold pieces forming part of the standard collection, and the platinum watch being limited to just 100 pieces.

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.

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. The platinum variant applies a finishing touch, in the form of a ruby cabochon, set in the beaded crown. This particular watch (No. 01X/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. Above this, 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. In keeping with its aesthetic, the Cintrée has a relatively short power-reserve of 36 hours, harking back to the early 1920s, when a watch would be wound every morning, before starting the day.

The combination of classic Cartier design and the brand's most coveted metal, makes the success of this limited edition Tank Cintrée, a foregone conclusion.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look