This Tank Cintre Dual Time combines an elegantly curved case with a practical, dual time complication. One of a very limited series produced for the Asian market in 2004, it provides a delightful regional variationtothis traditional piece. It was limited to 100 pieces, and distinguished by its rose gold case and Chinesecharacters on the second dial.

The TankCintre

Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, theTankbecame publicly available in 1919, in very limited numbers. TheTank Cintrewas itself, developing on the design traits of the original. Itselongated rectangular case and elegant curves quickly became a classic, having been adoptedbyFred Astaire, Steve McQueen and Ralph Lauren, to name just a few.Vintage examples of theTank Cintrewere made in extremely limited numbers, and examples that remain in original condition come up for public sale infrequently, making them as elusive, as they are attractive.

In the last decade of the 20th century, the industry was still recovering from the impact of the quartz crisis, with consumers just starting to redevelop an interest in mechanical watches. In the midst of this, Cartier aimed to reestablish its credibility as a true watchmaking manufacture. From 1998 to 2008, the Collection Prive Cartier Paris brought back some of the most iconic Cartier designs from the past century, from the Crash to the Tank Cintre, combined with high quality mechanical movements. In many cases, these distinctive designs hadnt been produced for decades, speaking to the jewellers desire to place an increased focus on its heritage.

As a series of mechanical watches based on historic Cartier designs, the Collection Prive Cartier Paris - or CPCP for short - showed watch connoisseurs what Cartier was capable of producing at a time when the brand was more known for producing quartz-based timepieces. Most models in the CPCP were designed for the men's market and were available between 1998 and 2008 in very limited numbers using mechanical movements from external suppliers, until the Fine Watchmaking Collection was introduced using movements developed in-house.

A Contemporary Design

This Cartier Tank Cintre Dual Time is part of a 100-piece, limited-edition series created for the Asian market in 2004. The first dial displays a pared-back design, only displaying Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 oclock. The second dial is similarly constructed, with Chinese characters in the respective sections. Both dials are enclosed within a printed, open black bracket.

Each respective dial features a central rose motif just beneath the hands, which radiates into a traditional guilloch. Evidence suggests that the inspiration for this central rose came from vintageCartierclocks, which often featured the distinctive decoration.The minimalist rail track and numerals are both stamped in black, while the hands are rendered in slightly different shades of blue the dial with Roman numerals being lighter, while the hands on the Chinese numeral dial are in a darker tone, providing a pleasant contrast to the otherwise monochromatic dial. The crown features two sapphire cabochons, a nod to the brands roots as a jeweller.

Cased inrose gold, thisCintre Dual Timeis both elongated and noticeably curved. Measuring 46mm long and 23mm wide, this piece shares the same dimensions as the original Tank Cintre watch from 1921, giving it a truly vintage feel. At just 8mm thick, itserves as an elegant dress watch, fitting perfectly beneath the cuff.Overall, the design is more angular than that found on previousCintrewatches,which is most obvious when looking at the lugs and crowns.

The Movement

It is understood that this Cartier Cintre Dual Time is powered by two separate ETA 2412 calibres. This manual-winding movement has a diameter of 15.3mm, and was likely chosen on account of its modest size, which allows it to be integrated within the slim, curved case.

The Set

This Cartier Tank Cintre Dual Time is accompanied by its red leather box, Certificate (stamped and dated), manual and Collection Prive Cartier Paris Certificate (confirming this example as 05X/100). It comes on one of our grey calf leather straps, with a rose gold Cartier deployante buckle, and black alligator Cartierstrap.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Cartier Tank Cintre Dual Timewill be subject to 20% VAT. Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.

Closer look