Let’s take a step back through time. In 1936, Louis Cartier bucked the trend when he introduced the original Tank Asymétrique. The watch featured a rectangular case skewed to resemble a diamond, along with a dial rotated 30 degrees to the right. The timepiece didn’t just possess design details that paralleled the art deco movement (which happened to be en vogue at the time) – it also showed how a small tweak could result in an entirely new aesthetic.
Cartier pays homage to this moment in its history by introducing the new Tank Asymétrique to its Privé collection for 2020. Since 2015, the Privé collection has comprised limited editions of Cartier’s most cherished designs such as the Crash and the Tank Cintrée. For the Tank Asymétrique, Cartier has announced two new models.
Tank Asymétrique (Calibre 1917 MC)
This new iteration of the Tank Asymétrique features a completely redesigned set of Arabic numerals and indices. The hour markers now sit closer towards the centre of the dial, resulting in improved focus for easier time-reading. The sword-shaped hands are also a contemporary update to the original’s more ornate design. Fitted with the manual-winding Calibre 1917 MC, the Tank Asymétrique is available in three different configurations. Available options include pink gold with a grey dial and strap, yellow gold with a champagne dial and brown strap, and platinum with a silver dial and grey strap.
Tank Asymétrique (Calibre 9623 MC)
Cartier’s manual-winding Calibre 9623 MC allows the Tank Asymétrique to possess an aesthetic unique in its history. Sitting atop the movement is a skeletonised dial with large Arabic numerals at the 12 and six o’clock position. Ease of legibility aside, they serve as both a visual anchor and a means of orientation.
Applying technology in service of design – this is the mission of the Privé collection. In this case, the act of skeletonisation serves as more than just a blatant statement of skill. Instead, it functions as a cornerstone of the Tank Asymétrique’s visual appeal. This skeletonised timepiece comes in either a platinum or gold case. The former is also available in a gem-set version that’s set with 250 brilliant-cut diamonds. The platinum-cased Tank Asymétrique comes with both blue and black alligator leather straps, while the gold-cased version offers up grey and brown variants instead.
Modern Rarities
Both versions of the new Tank Asymétrique feature luxurious details such as precious metals, gem-set crowns and made-to-measure leather straps. True to the Privé collection’s exclusive nature, each piece in the series is also strictly limited to 100 numbered units. Combining both striking wrist presence and desirability, the Cartier Tank Asymétrique stands as a compelling choice for the discerning connoisseur.