New possibilities for the Tank Américaine, brought to life through skeletonization and Art Deco

Cartier Tank Américaine Skeleton

Cartier Tank Américaine Art Deco

Cartier has unveiled two new additions to the Tank Américaine collection: a skeleton model and an Art Deco model. Both pieces exemplify the Maison's watchmaking expertise, achieving a refined balance of aesthetic beauty and technical prowess.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku

How to Evolve a Perfected Form

The "Tank" was born in 1917. With its rectangular form, two parallel vertical brancards, and a silhouette where the case and bracelet are integrated, it is the signature model of the Maison. Seeking both geometric precision and technical excellence, the Tank is the embodiment of Louis Cartier’s philosophy.

The "Tank Cintrée," designed to follow the curve of the wrist, debuted in 1921, serving as the inspiration for the Tank Américaine, which was launched in 1988. The Tank Américaine boldly reimagined the design, resulting in a more streamlined form.

The new Tank Américaine Skeleton features the 1988 MC manual-winding skeleton movement for the first time. Named after the year the Tank Américaine was born, the movement is defined by bridges that form bar indices. Patented upon its creation in 2008, it has become a signature of the Maison.

Eduart Sanchez Ribot © CARTIER
Eduart Sanchez Ribot © CARTIER

True to the "skeleton" name, the structure, which lacks a dial and appears to float in mid-air, was realized through extensive dialogue between Cartier’s internal experts, from designers to watchmakers. The platinum case features alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces, creating a striking contrast.

The minute track and logo are engraved and coated with black enamel, while the bridges are curved to echo the design of the Tank Américaine.

A pink gold model is also available; the platinum version comes with a bordeaux alligator strap, while the pink gold version features a dark blue interchangeable alligator strap.

The Tank Américaine Art Deco Large Model, meanwhile, draws inspiration from the sophisticated design of Art Deco, characterized by symmetrical and architectural lines that create a sense of depth.

The curved, satin-finished platinum case features geometric motifs influenced by modernist aesthetics. The dial is treated with a bordeaux gradient, harmonizing with the strap’s hue and the faceted ruby adorning the octagonal crown.

For the finish, a combination of sunray (on the lighter sections), opaline (on the darker areas), and satin brushing (in between) creates nuanced gradations. This is complemented by galvanized nickel alloy and a dual-layer application of reddish lacquer, lending a unique and warm expression. Sharp markings are applied via gray powder transfer, then protected and enhanced with a glossy varnish.

In addition to an interchangeable alligator strap, it is powered by the 1899 MC self-winding mechanical movement, named after the year Cartier opened its boutique at 13 rue de la Paix.

It is precisely because the foundational design possesses such unwavering perfection that the Maison’s aesthetic sensibility and the philosophy of its craftsmen can continue to add new expressions to it. The evolution of the Tank, a paragon among dress watches, is sure to continue.

Antoine Pividori© Cartier
Antoine Pividori© Cartier

Tank Américaine Skeleton

Case size: 44.4 x 24.4 mm, thickness: 8.24 mm

Case material: Pink gold / Platinum

Movement: 1988 MC manual-winding movement

Strap: [Pink gold] Semi-matte navy blue alligator strap, semi-matte dark gray alligator secondary strap

[Platinum] Semi-matte bordeaux alligator strap, semi-matte dark gray alligator secondary strap

Buckle: Interchangeable folding buckle
Water resistance: Water-resistant to normal daily usage

Antoine Pividori© Cartier

Tank Américaine Art Deco

Case size: 44.4 x 24.4 mm, thickness: 8.6 mm

Case material: Platinum

Dial: Bordeaux-colored Art Deco dial with various finishes (opaline, sunray, satin)

Movement: 1899 MC self-winding movement

Strap: Semi-matte bordeaux alligator strap
Buckle: Interchangeable folding buckle

Inquiries

Cartier Customer Service Center

Tel. 0120-1847-00
https://www.cartier.jp/

Frequently Asked Questions About Cartier Watches

Q. What is the background of the creation of the Cartier "Tank"?

Cartier is a jeweler founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, France, in 1847. The "Tank" was created by his grandson, the third-generation head of the Maison, Louis Cartier. Watchmaking was established as a department during his era, and in 1904, the "Santos," a serious wristwatch for men, was developed. Crafted at the request of his friend, the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, this watch broke new ground for wristwatches at a time when pocket watches were the norm. The "Tank" is said to have been inspired by an overhead view of a Renault light tank deployed on the front lines of World War I, with its two vertically extended case sides and integrated lugs representing the tank's treads. The design was conceived in 1917, and it was first sold to the general public in 1919. The geometric rectangular form has since served as the foundation for numerous variations.

Q. Please tell us about the features of the new Tank Américaine Skeleton.

Its most notable feature is that it is the first Tank Américaine to be powered by the 1988 MC manual-winding skeleton movement. Named after the year of the model's birth, it is striking for its bridges, which form bar indices. The structure, which lacks a dial and makes the movement appear to float, was achieved through dialogue between Cartier’s internal experts, from designers to watchmakers. The bridges are curved to echo the shape of the case, and the minute track and logo are engraved and coated with black enamel. The case is available in platinum and pink gold, with alternating polished and satin finishes that create a subtle contrast.

Q. What techniques are used on the dial of the Tank Américaine Art Deco Large Model?

It expresses symmetrical geometric motifs inspired by Art Deco architecture through a bordeaux gradient. It uses three types of finishes—sunray on the light sections, opaline on the dark, and satin in between—to add nuance to the shading. This, combined with galvanized nickel alloy and a dual-layer application of reddish lacquer, creates a unique, warm expression. The markings are sharply rendered in gray powder transfer, then protected and enhanced with glossy varnish. The dial’s tone harmonizes with the strap and the faceted ruby on the octagonal crown. It is powered by the 1899 MC self-winding movement, named after the year Cartier opened its boutique at 13 rue de la Paix.