Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Two Handsome Red and Green Lacquered Tank Louis Cartier Hand-Wound
Minimalistic and monochromatic, in the best possible way.
To say that Cartier has been prolific at Watches & Wonders 2023 would be an understatement. The brand is on fire, with so many new and attractive models, covering all collections, including a highly attractive Cartier Privé collection resurrecting the Tank Normale, or even a stunning grande complication pocket watch… But now, it’ll be about the most classic of the watches from the Tank collection, the Tank Louis Cartier. And it comes back this year in a duo of yellow gold, hand-wound models with Red and Green Lacquered Dials.
While the Cartier Tank dates back to 1917, with the inaugural model later renamed Tank Normale, the most emblematic version could well be the second iteration of this watch. Named Tank Louis Cartier, it has to be seen as a refined take on the original rectangular concept, with the emblematic design reworked to create a more delicate watch, its unique aesthetic being due to its vertical thin brancards and smooth angles.
The modern version of the Tank Louis Cartier revives this more subtle look with its thin rounded brancards and essential design. Ultimately elegant, and refined, it is mostly known in its classic silver dial versions with Roman numerals. But this year, the brand brings now models that evoke the dandy elegance of the 1970s Must de Cartier models, with coloured lacquered dials. Compact and thin, measuring 33.7mm x 25.5mm, with a thickness of only 6.6mm, the new models are housed in yellow gold, with the classic beaded crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon.
The main novelty concerns the dial. Minimalistic but far from simplistic, the impact comes from the green or dark red lacquer, and the absence of markers. A tone-on-tone semi-matte alligator strap completes this striking monochromatic look. The dial only comprises gold-coloured hands and logos.
Inside the case is the in-house and shaped calibre 1917 MC. This compact and thin hand-wound movement beats at 3Hz and stores a decent 38h power reserve. It is hidden under a solid gold back.
Available as of September 2023 in the permanent collection, the Tank Louis Cartier Hand-Wound Lacquered Dials – references WGTA0190 in red and WGTA0191 in green – will be priced at EUR 11,700. For more details, please visit cartier.com.
