The months leading up to the Watches and Wonders exhibition are very exciting at the WatchTested office.
Every week we receive new teasers and press releases. This year, there were also many previews organized by brands. It's wonderful because the more we know in advance, the better we can inform you, our readers, about these new watches. However, keeping track of all the watches presented at the week-long exhibition is almost impossible. There are simply too many, plus there are unexpected novelties, such as the magnificent Cartier Tank Américaine in platinum with a salmon pink art deco-style dial.
The Must de Cartier Tank Art Deco watches were released in 1995 in honor of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. In a sense, the new Cartier Tank Américaine model in platinum with a salmon art deco dial is almost an anniversary piece, dedicated to the 30th anniversary. Of course, it might be a year early, and in that time, Cartier has made even more watches with art deco dials. So let's consider this a regular release, though certainly not ordinary in terms of appearance.
Cartier Tank Américaine in Platinum with Art Deco Salmon Dial
Last year, Cartier introduced an updated version of their stylish Tank Américaine watches, which were originally released in 1987. The brand removed the second hand, made vertical brushing on the dial, and slightly adjusted the dimensions. The new version in a platinum case is the "large" model. This means the elongated case has a length of 44.4 mm, a width of 24.4 mm, and a thickness of only 8.7 mm. In photos taken on Nacho's 17.5 cm wrist, the watch looks perfect. The rounded bracelets have a mirror polish on top and a matte finish on the sides, while the horizontal links between the bracelets feature a vertical matte surface.
The faceted crown on the side is also polished and adorned with a red ruby, characteristic of Cartier's platinum watches. The crown controls the new automatic caliber 1899 MC, which was released last year. This relatively new mechanism allows Cartier to make its watches even thinner than before. Otherwise, this mechanism does not differ in amazing characteristics. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 per hour, and the power reserve is 40 hours. However, in Cartier watches, the mechanism often turns out not to be the most important detail. Rather, the design is.
The Art Deco Dial Holds Everything Together
I like the first design of the Tank Américaine dial with 12 Roman numerals. It's a classic Cartier look, and in the new version, it looks cleaner than ever. However, what I don't like is the wide space around the numerals at the "12" and "6 o'clock" positions. On the new Tank Américaine dial, executed in art deco style, the railroad minute track has moved to the edge of the dial, and the designers removed many numerals. The four remaining Roman numerals are now embedded in an art deco-style frame with a radial matte background.
In the center of the dial is a large open rectangle, at the top of which is only the Cartier signature. Strangely enough, the open space doesn't bother me at all. It is matte, like the outer edge of the dial, and is excellently held by the patterns around it. Perfectly blued hour and minute hands hover over the slightly curved dial and add a bit of contrast against the salmon tone. The set is completed by a burgundy alligator leather strap with a white gold folding clasp with rhodium plating.
I'm a Fan
It goes without saying that I really like the art deco dial design combined with the elongated shape of the Tank Américaine. One of my favorite buildings in New York is the majestic Chrysler Building, and these Cartier watches strongly remind me of this iconic skyscraper. For my wrist, I would prefer a medium size. Unfortunately, we are not yet sure if this is possible for the new Tank Américaine model. We will definitely inform you when we learn more about this from Cartier.
The new Cartier Tank Américaine watches in platinum with a salmon art deco dial are on sale for 21,300 euros. The watches are not yet available on Cartier's official website, so if you want more detailed information about them, it's best to call or visit your local Cartier dealer.
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