Cartier unveils the Tank Chinoise as the sixth chapter in the Cartier Prive Collection, highlighting the iconography of Chinese architecture and interior design. The Tank Chinoise had not been re-envisioned since 2004 when it was redesigned during the CPCP (Collection Prive Cartier Paris) era. The new release unveils the 9627 MC skeleton movement specifically developed for this watch in parallel with the new rectangular dial, which adds a fresh look to the Tank Chinoise (which originally had a square dial). The contemporary look aesthetically and mechanically complements the previously released Crash, Tank Cintree, Tonneau, Tank Asymetrique, and Cloche Cartier art pieces, which should please new-generation collectors, as well as fans of the original CPCP variant.
Specifications:
Brand: Cartier
Model: Cartier Prive Tank Chinoise
Dimensions: 39.49mm x 29.2mm
Water Resistance: No rating
Case Material: Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum, or Platinum with Diamonds
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: Manual Winding 430 MC or Manual Winding 9627 MC Skeleton Movement
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Semi-Matte Gray, Semi-Matte Black, Semi-Matte Red, Semi-Matte Black and Red, Semi-Matte Gray and Blue, Shiny Blue, and Semi-Matte Red Alligator Straps with Respective Precious Metal Buckles to Match the Case Material.
Price & Availability: TBD
The exterior of the case re-emphasizes the strong lintel beams that run across the top and bottom of the periphery, which is the case’s characteristic distinction from other Cartier Tanks. One of the visually stunning parts of this case is the two vertical-grained columns that flank the sides of the case, giving additional gravitas to the polished vertical bars. The yellow-gold case is especially pleasing to the eye, as it has black lacquered vertical bars that call and repeat the theme present inside the skeleton movement. The faceted and domed crowns are topped with a faceted ruby, sapphire, or diamond based on the case and dial combination.
The 9627 MC manufacture movement plays dual roles as both the dial and the foundation for the watch’s time-only complication. The skeletonization of the movement was designed to emulate Chinese porticos and windows, and the ornamental geometric designs are directly interpreted in the movement via horizontal and vertical intertwining lines. The dial side is emboldened with black and red, or red and blue, lacquer, colors closely associated with Chinese culture, especially as red is regarded as an auspicious color.
The Cartier Prive Tank Chinoise comes in six variations with the most precious being limited to 50 pieces and crafted in platinum and diamond with red and blue lacquered dial/movement. The understated and classically detailed hour-minute pieces with radially grained dials will be available in yellow gold, rose gold, platinum limited to 150 pieces each. The open-worked variants are limited to 100 pieces and are also available in the aforementioned precious metals. Price and availability are TBD. For more details please visit the Cartier website.