For Cartier, time is a mystery: in its representation and in the perception we have of it. Cartier watches are precious objects that constantly renew and explore our way of understanding time. Thanks to the extraordinary expertise of the Maison’s watchmakers, all techniques are eclipsed, allowing us the simple contemplation of suspended time – Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise.
Each year, the Cartier Privé collection, a celebration of collectors, celebrates the Maison’s iconic models through limited edition numbered watches, rare watches that bridge the gap between Cartier’s watchmaking heritage and today’s aesthetic vision. After the Crash, Tank Cintrée, Tonneau, Tank Asymétrique and Cloche Cartier watches, the Tank Chinoise watch will mark the sixth chapter of Cartier Privé.
Tank Chinoise
Made in 1917 by Louis Cartier and sold two years later, the Tank is one of the most remarkable watches of the Maison and indeed in the history of watchmaking. Since its creation, the accuracy of its design and the timelessness of its pure lines have made it a watch capable of passing through time, maintaining its relevance as it continually evolves.
Made in 1917 by Louis Cartier and sold two years later, the Tank is one of the most remarkable watches of the Maison and indeed in the history of watchmaking. Since its creation, the accuracy of its design and the timelessness of its pure lines have made it a watch capable of passing through time, maintaining its relevance as it continually evolves.
The Tank Chinoise aesthetics pay tribute to the architecture of Chinese temples and the geometry of their porticos, which, for the Tank Chinoise, Cartier transposes into horizontal bars placed on vertical bars. This unique watch, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, has inspired numerous models but it has not been redesigned since 2004, except in the Cartier Libre versions.
Two new models
Today, the Tank Chinoise watch reveals the mystery of the skeleton movement within its new rectangular dial.
A signature complication of the Maison that watchmakers have adapted to the case of a gold watch. The open-worked dial reveals the workings of the movement, much like traditional Chinese windows. Inspired by Chinese savoir-faire, the black and red lacquer brings both preciousness and the effect of depth. The 9627 MC skeleton movement of the watch was developed by Cartier exclusively for this Tank Chinoise.
This spectacular watch is complemented by a large and understated hour-minute version in platinum, yellow gold or rose gold, with horizontal bevelled-edge bars. It beats to the rhythm of the 430 MC movement which is currently the Maison’s finest mechanical movement.
Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Technical Specifications
MANUFACTURE MECHANICAL MOVEMENT WITH MANUAL WINDING 430 MC
Encasing diameter:9 lines
Total dimension: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 2.15 mm
Number of jewels: 18
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
Power reserve: 38 hours
CARTIER PRIVÉ TANK CHINOISE
39.49 x 29.2 mm, thickness: 6.09 mm
Yellow gold 750/1000
Crown set with a faceted sapphire
Semi-matt black alligator leather strap
Numbered limited edition of 150 pieces
CARTIER PRIVÉ TANK CHINOISE
39.49 x 29.2 mm, thickness: 6.09 mm
Rose gold 750/1000
Crown set with a faceted sapphire
Semi-matt grey alligator leather strap
Numbered limited edition of 150 pieces
CARTIER PRIVÉ TANK CHINOISE
39.49 x 29.2 mm, thickness: 6.09 mm
Platinum 950/1000
Crown set with a faceted ruby
Semi-matt grey alligator leather strap
Numbered limited edition of 150 pieces
MANUFACTURE MECHANICAL MOVEMENT WITH MANUAL WINDING 9627 MC
Encasing diameter: 10 1/2 x 11 lines 1/2
Total dimension: 26.1 mm
Thickness: 3.9 mm
Number of jewels: 23
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
Power reserve: 38 hours
CARTIER PRIVÉ TANK CHINOISE
39.5 x 29.2 mm, thickness: 7.70 mm
Yellow gold 750/1000
Case in yellow gold 750/1000 with black lacquer
Crown set with a faceted sapphire semi-matt black and red alligator leather straps
Numbered limited edition of 100 pieces
CARTIER PRIVÉ TANK CHINOISE
39.5 x 29.2 mm, thickness: 7.70 mm
Platinum 950/1000
Crown set with a faceted ruby
Semi-matt grey and blue alligator leather straps
Numbered limited edition of 100 pieces
CARTIER PRIVÉ TANK CHINOISE
39.5 x 29.2 mm, thickness: 7.70 mm
Platinum 950/1000
Case and buckle set with
161 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.70 ct)
Crown set with a brilliant-cut diamond (0.06 ct)
Shiny blue and semi-matt red alligator leather straps
Numbered limited edition of 20 pieces
