The star of the Cartier’s Privé collection this year.
Classics are always worth honouring.
This year, the star of the Cartier’s Privé collection (an annual celebration and reinterpretation of the Maison’s iconic timepieces, which have been launched in limited and numbered series since 2015) is none other than the Tank Asymétrique Watch.
The 1936 Tank Asymétrique Watch
In 1917, when watches were round, Louis Cartier broke with tradition to introduce the Tank, a handsome rectangular watch inspired by the military machine. From then until 1936, multiple incarnations of the Tank have been introduced.
The Tank Asymétrique watch of 1936 was perhaps even more unconventional. Also known as the Parallélogramme or Losange, the Tank Asymétrique had a unique off-set dial where everything was shifted 30 degrees to the right. The rectangle was skewed to form a diamond, with the number 12 placed in the upper right-hand corner of the case, and the number 6 diagonally opposite. The Roman numerals were replaced with Arabic numerals, and only the even digits were used, separated by indexes.
A special strap was developed just for the watch. In some models, the axis of symmetry in the centre of the watch was replaced by a special insert. Today, this unique detail, seen in no others, makes the watch a real rarity.
The 2020 Tank Asymétrique Watch
Like its predecessor, the new Tank Asymétrique has its numerals off-set by 30 degrees to the right, and two horizontal shafts connected by two oblique ones.
The key changes include a revamp of the numbers on the dial and the integration of the manual-winding Manufacture 1917 MC movement. The result: A refined edition, as striking and handsome as its predecessor, yet distinctive in its own right.
The watch is available in pink gold with a grey dial and strap; yellow gold with a champagne dial and brown strap; and platinum with a silver-coloured dial, ruby cabochon and grey strap. The made-to-measure straps are fitted with an ardillon buckle.
Each aesthetic comes in a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces.
The Tank Asymétrique 9623 MC skeleton watch
On the Tank Asymétrique skeleton watch, the 9623 MC skeleton movement appears beneath a simple yet elegant frame, punctuated by the numerals 12 and the 6.
True to the objective of the Cartier Privé collection, which, in the words of the Maison, is to “apply technology to the service of design”, this asymmetric watch features a specially developed calibre.
The watch comes in yellow gold on a brown or grey strap; platinum on a blue or black strap; and a gem-set platinum version on a black or glossy blue strap. Made to measure, these straps are fitted with an ardillon buckle, notably a rare find in fine watches.
This beautiful timepiece is available in a limited series of 100 numbered pieces for each aesthetic.
Images courtesy of Cartier, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
Cartier Tank: A Centenary Classic
Maillon de Cartier: Gems in Motion
