Cartier Tank Cintrée 'Paris'

Cartier is responsible for some of the most recognizable and successful wristwatches in the history of modern horology. The definitive expert on timepiece design, the French maison has always been a leader in challenging conventional approaches while pioneering new styling as a fixture in the broader fashion world.

Few watches have played a larger role in solidifying this brand identity than the Tank. Undoubtedly the most iconic watch in Cartier’s history and conceived based on a simple idea, it’s evolved to take myriad forms over the years, with over a dozen sub-designs that each has its own identity and presence.

Introduced in 1917 based on the conception of Louis Cartier, the great-grandson of Cartier’s founder, the Tank took inspiration from a French military tank from the First World War, the Renault FT-17. Its look was striking and revolutionary: rectangular and unconventional for the period, it was also one of the earliest wristwatches to be popularly accepted within the broader men's fashion space.

After 1917, Cartier saw a surge in interest in its unique watches and more and more Cartier Tank models were born, building on the underlying design philosophy that made the model an initial success in the 1910s. The Tank Cintrée was introduced in 1921, the Louis and Chinoise in 1922, the Basculante in 1933, the Asymetrique in 1936, and so on.

While each model has its own unique personality, the Tank Cintrée is possibly the most romantic. With its cambered case, elongated, dramatic dial style, and unique ability to hug the wrist, it has a special personality that is incredibly alluring.

This particular Tank Cintrée is a stunning yellow-gold example. At roughly 20mm in diameter, the proportions of this 18K yellow gold-case watch might strike one as being on the smaller side — but its curved architecture, elongated lugs, and matching yellow gold integrated-style beads-of-rice bracelet mean that it will accommodate a much larger wrist.

Boasting a sapphire cabochon crown and a smooth bezel in the form of the model's long brancards, it features a gorgeous white dial with printed black 'Roman' indices, an inner 'railroad' minute track, and a black 'sword' handset. Furthermore, its dial is signed "Paris," indicating it emenates from the maison's famed atelier in the French capital city.

Powered by a manual-winding movement, this stunning piece is hand-engraved with the previous owner's initials in an Art Deco style. A time capsule from a more elegant era, it's proof of Cartier's genius for elegant design and the "less-is-more" attitude that results in timeless watches.

If you fancy owning a bit of that elegance yourself, then this Cintrée is the perfect watch for you!