Cartier introduced the Tank in 1917, with a run of six pieces — given, or so the legend goes, to American General Joseph Pershing and his staff.
Its design was said to be inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks Cartier glimpsed on the battlefield of the Great War. (Cartier supposedly took the look of the Renault tank's treads and applied it to the lugs, which were integrated via brancards into the case itself.) That first run of six pieces increased to 33 by 1920, and by the end of the 20th century, that number stood well in the thousands. In sheer volume alone, the Tank — in all its various models — is Cartier's largest line of watches.
Louis Cartier designed the Tank Cintrée in 1921 as a dedicated wristwatch during a time when such timepieces hadn’t yet eclipsed the pocket watch in popularity. With its curved shape, it cleverly echoes the design of the wrist and is exceedingly comfortable to wear — not to mention beautiful to behold!
This particular Cintrée ref. 3974, a limited edition of 100 pieces from 2017, features a 23mm 18K rose gold curved case with a curved crystal to match, a sapphire cabochon crown, and Cartier's signature blued steel handset.
But wait, there's more... or actually, less!
Departing from the more traditional white 'Roman' dial configuration, this Cintrée features a skeletonized face, allowing the wearer to admire the beautifully finished in-house calibre in all its naked glory. The skeleton dial gives this piece a sense or lightness that is both refreshing and modern.
Powered by the manually-wound Cartier Calibre 9917 MC, this piece comes paired to a signed brown alligator leather strap with a matching rose gold 'Ardillon' pin buckle.
Sophisticated, elegant, and rare, this is a very special Tank indeed.