Manufacturer: Cartier Year: circa 1999 Reference No: 1734A Case No: 0026GC Model Name: Tank Americaine Collection Privée Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 9P2, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: White gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 45x27mm (including lugs) Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Collection Privée fitted presentation box with outer packaging by Astrua, two hangtags, certificate of guarantee confirming sale of the present watch on May 1999.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced exactly 100 years ago, in 1917, the Cartier Tank is one of the famous French brand's longest running models. Presented in various sizes and dial configurations it remains a classic and timeless watch that defines elegance. Inspiration comes from the most unusual object, as Louis Cartier designed this watch with the first Renault tanks in mind. Legend has it that the first examples of the Tank watch were offered by Cartier to General John Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force. The present lot, known as the Tank Americaine, is a direct descendant of the original Tank. It’s a noteworthy model within the Tank’s distinguished lineage since it features a mechanical movement placing this model amongst watches designed for true watch lover. Made in platinum, its white guilloché dial displays Cartier’s traditional Roman numerals featuring a secret signature at 7 o’clock. Presented in superb condition, the case retains its perfectly crisp mirror and satin finish. This watch represents a fantastic addition to any collection of iconic timepieces.
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.