Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2020 Reference No: 4122 Case No: 21738YX Model Name: Tank Cintrée Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 8971MC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier pin buckle Dimensions: 46.3mm length x 23mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier guarantee dated 21st July 2020, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
In 1921, Cartier launched the Grand Tank Cintrée with an aesthetically pleasing long, slender, and gracefully arching case. At the time, the model was the largest and boldest adaptation of the famous Tank wristwatch, with a modern, fresh reinterpretation of its rectangular shape and case dimensions. Today, the Tank Cintrée is incredibly popular, having inspired modern successors in the now-discontinued “Collection Privée, Cartier Paris” series, and present-day variants.
The present Tank Cintrée from 2020 is a wonderful contemporary interpretation of the famed and iconic model. While most Cartier timepieces are fitted with the classic white dials with Roman numerals, the present Tank Cintrée certainly stands out of the crowd. Contrasting beautifully with the warmth of the pink gold case, the dial is in sunburst charcoal and features stick and Arabic markers, it is a fully modern yet classic design. Offered with its original accessories, and highly sought-after since its release at SIHH 2018, the present Tank Cintrée is an elegant companion for the refined yet relaxed collector.
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.