Cartier Tank Asymétrique Collection Privée Cartier Paris - Ref 2842

Origin

A charmingly off-kilter design, the Tank Asymétrique is a distinctly unique-looking timepiece that holds a rather unique position within the Cartier story. Originally not intended as part of the Tank family but rather as a stand-alone watch, the first version appeared in 1936 under the name "Parallelogram" and was designed with the modern driver in mind. With two hands placed on the steering wheel, by virtue of the unconventional orientation of the dial, the time could be read with effortless ease. As the piece was revisited over the course of Cartier's history, it was embraced into the Tank family and given the name Tank Asymétrique.

Since venturing into the production of timepieces for the gentleman's wrist with the Santos-Dumont in 1904, Cartier's forte has always been its original take on case and dial design. This aptitude for trailblazing timepiece creation was accelerated with the introduction of the Tank Normale in 1917, before going full tilt during the 1920s and 1930s - the golden years of Cartier watchmaking. With the Cloche, the Tank Cintrée, the Tank Chinoise - to name just a select few - Cartier's creativity in those years was electric and unrelenting.

The Tank Asymétrique became the unexpected yet striking grand finale in that incredible run of creation and innovation. It would be the last truly distinct Tank to be launched before two considerable and transformative events for the brand transpired: the outbreak of World War II in 1939 and the passing of Louis Cartier, in 1942.

With its lighthearted and playful design, the Tank Asymétrique signalled the close of perhaps the most fabulous chapter in Cartier's watchmaking history.

The watch

The most stunning Tank Asymétrique that La Maison has ever brought into existence? Quite possibly.

2006 was the year that just 150 of these exquisitely formed, scintillating timepieces graced the world of horology with their presence. They are the outstandingly rare and absolutely flawless diamonds of the exceptionally coveted, Collection Privée Cartier Paris.

Released exactly 70 years after that very first take on the Asymétrique, this CPCP edition of the watch saw that offbeat, sprightly design of 1936 evolve into a resoundingly sophisticated and strikingly elegant timepiece. Still with its unmissable and playful charm, yet now cast in a whole new light of blinding prestige.

Measuring 26.5mm x 41 mm, Cartier's first move was to up the ante with the case. Gracefully elongating and graciously expanding the Asymétrique's unique and entirely unconventional diamond form, whilst lightly amplifying and rounding its slanted, yellow gold brancards. This touch of new, resolute presence to the Asymétrique saw the Cartier timepiece truly come into its own. It was a graceful yet bold opening up of its form, which led to the most perfect frame for the classic and instantly recognisable CPCP silvered dial. The unique 'cut' of the Asymétrique allowing for the intricate rosette guilloché, which extends into every last millimetre of every single angle of the dial, to have just infinite fun with the light. Vibrantly rolling and radiating across the dial, with such stunning ease. 

The black printed Roman numerals find their own, unique way around the diamond form. At certain points easing into the angles of the frame and at others, retaining their impassive presence. Following their rather unconventional lead is the fine black, printed railway minute-track, which is set to the inside of the Roman numerals. A beautifully intricate secret signature has found its way into the 7 and a 'Swiss made' sits uniquely below the 5 (instead of the traditional 6). To describe this Asymétrique as a watch with 'character' would be the understatement of the century.

It is a watch that has been given design elements of true, classic beauty: an 18k yellow gold case, a silvered guilloché dial, blued Breguet hands to mark the hours and minutes and traditional, imposing black Roman numerals. Yet through their almost wild composition and form, all these classic elements have been thrown into a fabulous avant-garde spin. The result: a timepiece that captures the essence of exactly what it means to be an object that hails from the famed Parisian jewellers. Abounding beauty and elegance, with a sensational kick of exquisite eccentricity. Simply stunning Cartier.

With the 'Cartier, Paris' at the 12 and the central rose, the exclusive CPCP status of the watch is confirmed. The Collection Privée Cartier Paris (1998-2008) signalled a revival of and a return to the famed Jeweller's exquisite, mechanical watchmaking past. A part of Cartier's diamond-studded history that was overlooked by many for a considerable number of years. With a renewed interest in mechanical timepieces emerging in the late 90s, the time was ripe for La Maison to unearth its outstandingly unique and timeless mechanical, horological gems. A glinting opportunity that would turn into Cartier's most revered timepiece collection.

Two other design choices of particular note on this Asymétrique are the three-lug case construction and the rarely seen, flush-set Cartier crown. The three-lug construction gives this piece an attractive, robust edge while the ever so sleek, sapphire-capped, beaded crown keeps the piece's abundant elegance in check. 

The watch's limited-edition number is prominently and centrally engraved on the brushed, signed caseback, while every other surface of this whirlwind of Cartier brilliance is polished.

The movement

Delicately powering this outstanding CPCP Tank Asymétrique is the mechanical, hand-wound movement cal. 9770MC, which is derived from a Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauche. It is a nickel lever movement, containing 18 jewels and a mono-metallic balance. The handcrafted calibre gives the watch a power reserve of 40 hours and has a frequency of 21,600 vph.

How it wears

An absolute thrill to wear. A dress watch that can be dressed up or down, worn with any colour or any style as ultimately, it will always steal the show. With its dimensions, three-lug construction and CPCP's strong Roman numerals, this Asymétrique has a particular presence on the wrist. A particularly captivating presence, even for Cartier.

The set & condition

This watch is one of Cartier's truly stellar, modern-day horological creations. A timepiece that is almost never seen on the market, it comes with its original Cartier yellow gold folding buckle and a Cartier alligator strap. 

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

Reference	2842
Movement	Manual Wound
Caliber	Calibre 9770MC
Dial	Silver Rosette guilloché
Size (Case)	26,5 mm x 41 mm
Material (Case)	Yellow gold
Bracelet	Cartier black alligator
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Very good
Year	2006
Papers	-
Box	-
Warranty	2 years