This yellow gold Cartier Tank Cintrée* is one of a 150 piece collection that celebrated the centenary of the line in 2021. It features the desirable exploded Roman numerals, with case dimensions and features that are faithful to the original design. Powering it is the ultra-thin manual wind calibre 9780 MC. The watch, which still has it’s original stickers intact, comes with all its requisite boxes and paperwork.

Released in 1921, in a period of unbridled optimism, modernism and prosperity referred to as the Roaring Twenties, the Cartier Tank Cintrée embodied the spirit of the era perfectly. First conceived in the Paris branch of the historic house, the Cintrée is instantly recognisable, its exaggerated curved form almost an expression of the collective exuberance of a continent eager to leave behind the shadows of a devastating World War. Its dramatic lines were impossibly glamorous and its Art Deco-inspired dial very of the day. Supposedly conceived in an attempt to convert wristwatch sceptics of the period, the curved case that followed the natural form of the wrist, was more ergonomic and so more comfortable than the round and square designs of the time.

Within the Cintrée family, there exists a significant variety of fonts, numeral sizes, case thickness and even styles of screws employed. This example, released as part of the centenary celebration of the line in 2021, retains many of the characteristic features of the original. The elongated Roman numerals on the dial and the robust brancards framing both sides of the dial are visual hallmarks of the original Cintrée. As is traditional for the line, this anniversary edition was also produced in a limited series of just 150 pieces.

Following the form of the exploded Roman numerals is the chemin de fer minute track, another key visual signature of the Cintrée. Blued Breguet-style hands complete the elegant set up as seen under the curved crystal.
 
The high polish on the watch face is repeated in the crisp chamfered edges where the case meets the wrist. In profile the horizontal satination is punctuated with the polished screws of the case as well as those that secure the pins in the lugs. The caseback, sitting flush with case, and following its curvature, is evenly satinated and engraved with the brand mark, country of origin, serial number out of 150 and reference number. The engraving ‘mécanique’ references the manual-wind calibre inside. The case is 46mm tall and 23mm wide and sits just over 6mm off the wrist, a function of the ultra-thin calibre 9780 MC inside. It is based off the JLC 849. This is a connection that has historical parallels, as the calibre 123 used in the original 1921 Tank Cintrée was produced by Jaeger, thanks to the special relationship that Edmund Jaeger had with Louis Cartier. It is said that the extreme curve of the Cintrée was only made possible originally thanks to Jaeger developing an especially thin rectangular movement that could fit inside the case.
 
The watch comes on a fresh tan leather strap with a yellow gold signed pin buckle. Accompanying the watch is its bill of sale, warranty paperwork as well as the display box. It should be noted that the caseback still wears the sticker the watch was retailed with. It would be a worthwhile addition to a dedicated collection of Cintrées as it would be appropriate as an introduction into the world of classically faithful Cartier.

Closer look

Condition

This Cartier Cintrée 100th Anniversary watch is in excellent overall condition and has only been worn on a handful of occasions, with its original stickers kept intact on the caseback. Light superficial marks are found on the polished areas of the lugs, more specifically on the left-hand side, and only on the very surface of the material.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.