Watches & Wonders 2023: Cartier Tank Américaine and Tank Louis Cartier
In addition to the new Tank Normale introduced into Cartier’s Privé series for collectors, the maison is also offering a number of new mechanical Tank watches for the general public. This includes the introduction of two Américainemodels, alongside four Louis Cartier timepieces with distinctive and colourful dials.
Tank Américaine
Drawing inspiration from the original Tank Cintrée from 1921, the Tank Américaine was launched in 1989, with the latter featuring the former’s distinctive curved case. The Tank Américaine, however, integrated an important new feature: the first adjustable strap alongside the brand’s famous folding buckle, patented back in 1910.
The case
Now, the new Tank Américaine models are keeping up with the times by further refining the curved case and creating a finer, more ‘acrobatic’ line. Housed in either a steel or rose-gold case, these timepieces feature a dainty faceted crown endowed Cartier’s distintinctive synthetic blue spinel. Stretching far across the average wrist, the Tank Américaine‘s case dimensions are 44.4 mm x 24.4 mm, while maintaining an elegant height of 8.6 mm. In addition, the case provides water-resistance to 30 m.
The dial
With purism at the forefront of the design, the watches’ silvered satin-brushed dials display hour and minutes with the help of blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Elongated Roman numerals, which condense closer together in the mid-section of the dial, serve as elegant yet avant-garde hour markers. Inside these hour markers, a railway minute track stretches across the dial.
Cartier Calibre 1899 MC
Powering the Tank Américaine models is the new calibre 1899 MC, specifically designed for slimmer cases such as this. Named after Cartier’s opening year of its historic 13 rue de la Paix boutique, this new movement is destined to only be put to use in the Tank Américaine.
Measuring only 9 mm wide and 3.63 mm in height, the automatic calibre 1899 has a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz. Consisting of 158 components and 24 rubies, Cartier decorate the petite new calibre with Côte de Genève – although this remains out of sight due to the solid caseback.
Strap and price
Last but not least, Cartier pair the stainless-steel Tank Américaine with a dark blue alligator-skin strap. By contrast, the rose-gold edition comes with a grey strap in the same material. Prices: tbc.
Tank Louis Cartier
Tank Louis Cartier
Simplicity is key when it comes to the Tank Louis Cartier. This 1921 rework of the Tank Normale is defined by its pure lines and minimalist dials. However, the focus on simplicity does not limit the possibilities of design but rather offers the frame for a distinctive look. This year’s collection sees the introduction of four new models.
The case
With an elongated shape, softened edges, and a beaded crown set with sapphire cabochon, three of the new Tank Louis Cartier models have a polished yellow-gold case, while the remaining version is in rose gold. The versatile timepieces each have case dimensions of 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm and are water-resistant up to 30 m.
The dial
The simplicity of the Tank Louis Cartier is emphasised through the dials that come without Roman numerals or railway minute tracks. In this collection, purism is represented by geometric patterns as well as all-chromatic designs. While two of the four models are a nod to the Tank Must dials of the 1970s with their optical grids consisting of various gold-hued squares, the dials of the other two editions match with their straps in burgundy or all-green lacquer. Three of them have sword-shaped hands made out of gold-plated steel to indicate the hours and minutes. Meanwhile, the rose-gold version features rose-gold plated steel hands.
The calibre
The 1917 MC movement with manual winding is at the heart of the Tank LC. Notably, this calibre appears only in the Tank Louis Cartier and the Tank Asymmetrique. Although not visible to the wearer, Cartier nevertheless adorns the movement with 19 jewels, as well as traditional Côtes de Genève and perlage decoration. Additionally, the calibre has a 38-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 3 Hz.
The strap and price
Last but not least, all four watches come with an alligator-skin strap. While the model with the smaller optical-grid pattern and yellow-gold case comes with a taupe grey strap, Cartier pair the sole rose-gold model with a dark blue strap. A bordeaux or a green strap encompass the monochromatic editions with dials of the same color. Prices: the two plain green and burgundy dials are 14,000 euros, while the versions with geometric dials are 14,300 euros.
For over a century, the watchmaker Panerai, founded in Florence by Giovanni Panerai, has been dedicated to the production of precision instruments developed primarily for the Italian navy and military. As early as 1916, Panerai, in collaboration with a lieutenant in the Italian navy, succeeded in developing a substance based on radium that glowed in…
At Watches & Wonders 2021, Rolex is presenting not only the new Explorer with a 36 mm case, but also an update for the Rolex Explorer II. This new model replaces the Explorer II reference 216570, but remains true to the familiar recipe. While Rolex makes only minimal changes to the case and dial, the…
As the 50th anniversary year of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1, which was widely celebrated with an array of special models, draws to a close, the watch manufacturer is already presenting its next highlight. With the Chronograph 1 - GP 2023 Edition, Porsche Design is launching a second limited special edition to mark the GP…
The independent manufacture Greubel Forsey is presenting a new, sporty timepiece. The Greubel Forsey Balancier S combines sport and chronometry with a titanium case that is water-resistant to 100 metres and a high-precision angled balance wheel. The new model comes on an integrated rubber strap with a titanium folding clasp. The titanium case of the…
The 25th James Bond film “No Time To Die” will most likely be Daniel Craig’s last role as secret agent 007. Just as the trailer of the new agent-adventure has been released, OMEGA unveils the new timepiece that will be worn by James Bond in the film: The Seamaster Diver 300M “007” Edition. The actor…
The TUDOR Ranger originated in the 1960s and was dedicated to the spirit of adventure and exploration. Now the Geneva-based company is reviving the historic model. The robust timepiece features a satin-finished stainless steel case and historical design elements. Inside, however, is a modern movement that exceeds the chonometer requirements. The watch comes with a…
Parisian brand Hermès has introduced a new Arceau watch: the Arceau Squelette. Designed by Henri D'Origny, the brand's Arceau watches have been in existence since 1978. Most notably, they feature a 40 mm case and italicised, swirling numerals. However, the Arceau Squelette goes a step further by including a skeletonised movement, visible not only through…
Today, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer is releasing a limited edition of a redesigned vintage Heuer Carrera. The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Gold Edition marks Jack Heuer’s 88th birthday – which is today. The 18-carat rose-gold watch is a new version of the recently relaunched TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph. After all, the TAG Heuer…
In line with its CEO's current focus on “hyper horology”, watch brand Roger Dubuis is introducing a new Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon model. The model aims to optimise all of its components in order to match with its wearers' lifestyle, from design and performance to wearability. For this reason, it features a reinvented flying tourbillon,…
In a first for the enduringly popular Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection, the brand is introducing a new model combining white-gold and the line's signature blue dial with baguette-cut diamonds. Despite its sporty-elegant DNA, the new Overseas Tourbillon High Jewellery brings together glamour, craftsmanship, technical finesse, and style. The Overseas is, as the name suggests, a…
The Olympic Games are approaching, and Omega is celebrating with a new watch. The Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026 pays tribute to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. This watch features a case with dog-leg lugs, inspired by the Seamaster XVI from 1956. The watch also has a Grand Feu enamel dial and an…
Omega has become something of a talking point in the industry recently. Last year, the company unveiled the most spectacular movement in its history, the Calibre 1932. Marking the world's first calibre to combine an integrated chronograph and a minute repeater, it was proof that Omega's ongoing quest for innovation is far from over. This…
The best of two spheres: Montblanc presents a new manual-winding Minerva movement Montblanc and Minerva - the shared history of these two traditional brands does not go back very far. Montblanc, the leading Hamburg-based company for the finest writing utensils founded in 1906, only entered the watch business in 1997. This makes it a real…