Cartier Tank Americaine CPCP

The Cartier Tank Americaine is quite possibly the least understood model in Cartier's lineup. Introduced in 1989 under Richemeont group ownership, the Tank Americaine is in many ways a modern update to the classic Cintree model. With an elongated case featuring a gently curved case back, the Americaine line was designed from the start to be a larger watch to suit American tastes. Initially launched exclusively with quartz movements, the line has expanded in the past decades to include a variety of mechanical variants, as well as sizes, casing materials, and complications that put the Americaine all over the map in terms of value - hence the broad confusion amongst collectors, who don't know where to 'put' the model in the lineup from low to high. This particular example, a Reference 1735BB, is a special, limited piece from the CPCP line of the early 2000s. It features a 26mm x 45mm solid 18k yellow gold case with a curved sapphire crystal, a silver guilloche dial with printed Roman indices and a matching blued-steel 'sword' handset, and Cartier's ubiquitous sapphire cabochon crown. Setting this piece apart from your regular Tank Americaine, is the lack of date at the 6 o'clock position and its manually-wound movement — allowing for a svelte wearing experience. As effortlessly comfortable as it is elegant, this piece is appropriate for virtually any wrist. If you're Cartier-curious but the Tank Louis or the Santos don't speak to you, the Tank Americaine might just be the watch for you!