Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2008 Reference No: 2483 Case No: 270013CD Model Name: Tank Américaine Material: 18k pink gold and diamonds Calibre: Automatic Bracelet/Strap: White Cartier crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Cartier folding deployant buckle Dimensions: 23 mm. width Signed:Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present Tank Américaine watch features an elongated case with a more pronounced curve than the original model. Enhanced with pavé-set diamonds, the watch is also fitted with a rare chocolate textured dial that elevates its sophisticated look.
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.