Cartier Tank Asymétrique NSO - Green

The Watch

One of the many benefits of the Cartier Tank is the number of creative deviations La Maison has expressed over the decades. As the master of shapely watches and pure sophistication, each tells a memorable story, with the Asymétrique telling one rooted in function yet delivered with utter class.

Delivered in 2023 as an NSO creation, this reference 4287 Asymétrique is an exotic rendition of Cartier's original driver watch. The most striking of elements starts with its parallelogram-shaped 18k yellow gold case. While it maintains the rounded brancards flanking either side of the dial before transforming into the lugs, a third lug sits central to the case, emphasising its diagonal angle. The only remaining external detail of prominence is a beaded crown sitting at three with a green cabochon. 

The slated view extends to the dial of this Asymétrique in a manner that, when viewed with a straight arm forward, the dial is perfectly upright. Much like the 2020 Collection Privée Cartier Paris model, this NSO piece carries a sunburst dial in silver with a combination of Arabic numerals and markers, but their execution differs slightly. Firstly, the markers are thicker in size giving the dial a slightly more traditional appearance than the thinner, more modern set on the CPCP edition; however, this is balanced out by their green colour. Once combined with the yellow gold case, matching green Cartier alligator strap and cabochon, the result is an Asymétrique that gives off an exotic flair separate from its 1930s originals. A final touch of colour can be found with its heat-blued sword hands.

The Movement

The mechanical calibre 1917 MC by Cartier powers this NSO Asymétrique. Named after the year the Tank was first introduced, this slim tonneau-shaped calibre carries a Côtes de Genève striping, 19 jewels, a power reserve of 38 hours and a height of just 2.9mm.

How It Wears

At 47mm x 26mm, this one-of-one edition Asymétrique wears larger and different from a conventional Louis Tank. The central third lug adds additional dimensionality to the classic Parisian design language, while the striking theme of green underscores the magic of Cartier's NSO program.

Condition

This Cartier Tank Asymétrique NSO dates from 2023 and is presented today as a complete, full set including its original green Cartier Alligator strap. The watch is in fantastic condition.

Origin

Cartier is known worldwide as the proponent of singularity in design, and for watches, that means shapes. Round, rectangular, octagonal, square, Cartier has produced a watch in a case of practically every shape imaginable, and even those unimaginable. While La Maison is best known for its rectangular pieces, such as the Louis Tank or the square Santos, throughout the 20th century, the family was perpetually experimenting with playful and unique executions of their poignant design language. In 1936, they debuted a rather radical design. Today, we know it as the Asymétrique, but in the 1930s, it had many names, such as 'Parallelogram', 'Oblique', and 'Losange'. Existing in a category of watch shared with few other watch manufacturers, the Asymétrique features a design that sees elements titled slightly, the purpose being to allow for just a glance down the wrist while driving. 

Over the years, the Asymétrique has remained one of the most coveted designs from La Maison, only appearing a small handful of times since its creation. In 1996 the first CPCP (Collection Privée Cartier Paris) edition was released with 300 made in yellow gold, and 100 in platinum. In 2006, the Asymétrique received the CPCP treatment for the second time before being released a third time in 2020 in either pink, yellow gold or platinum. Regardless of regularly being released, the Asymétrique is a rare sighting today, making it a favourite of Cartier's NSO program. 

Cartier's NSO (New Special Order) program is a service offered to clients whereby customised designs and executions can become a reality. Over the years, many images of NSO creations have made their way online, ranging from subtle and classically based concepts to executions that would typically never have existed without the program. NSO creations have become some of the most celebrated watches from Cartier's modern lineup.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium

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