Cartier

Designed by Cartier in 1917, the Tank wristwatch has become an enduring icon of horology, representing the culmination of Louis Cartier’s visionary approach to design that began at the dawn of the 20th century. The Tank's aesthetic seamlessly embodies Cartier’s hallmark traits, uniting heritage and innovation. Like its predecessors—the Santos, Tonneau, and Tortue watches—the Tank features a radiating Roman numeral dial, a railway track chapter ring for minute markings, and a cabochon sapphire-adorned winding crown. These elements, combined with the watch's essential design, have fueled endless creative reinterpretations, each becoming as iconic as the original.

One remarkable variation is the Tank Asymétrique, introduced in 1936 and also known as the Losange or Parallélogramme. This avant-garde design challenged conventions by rotating the dial 30 degrees to the right. The traditional square case transformed into a diamond shape, with the 12 positioned in the upper-right corner and the 6 directly opposite. Instead of Roman numerals, the watch featured only even Arabic numerals, separated by indexes, creating a distinctive and modern aesthetic.

In 2023, Cartier paid tribute to this groundbreaking design with a limited-edition Tank Asymétrique, exclusively launched for its historic Fifth Avenue boutique in New York, where the Maison has been present since 1917. This special edition showcases exquisite craftsmanship, featuring the ultra-thin 1917 MC calibre, a platinum case, and a ruby-set beaded crown. Its sunburst blue dial is adorned with alternating hour markers, and unique details pay tribute to Fifth Avenue: only the odd numerals are displayed, with a distinctive emphasis on the "5" to honor the boutique's iconic location. A subtle dot and "TH" beside the 5-hour marker further reinforce this homage.The case back also bears a special engraving, adding to the watch's commemorative allure.

Produced in limited quantities, this piece perfectly blends tradition with modernity, celebrating both Cartier's rich history and its enduring legacy of innovation. We are pleased to offer this piece in exceptional unworn condition with its full suite of accessories.