Cartier Tank a Vis Platinum 2485D - CPCP - Full set

CARTIER TANK A VIS PLATINUM
Platinum | Silver guilloché rosette Cartier Paris dial

Origin

Cartier conquered the skies with the creation of the Santos Dumont in 1904. A unique wristwatch designed to allow pioneering aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, to freely and stylishly soar through the clouds. It would not be until 1931 however, when Cartier would take command of the waters. This would be the year of the Tank Étanche, predecessor to the Tank à Vis.

Simply christened the 'Étanche' (meaning waterproof) by Cartier, the model later came to be known as the Tank Étanche thanks to its very close resemblance to Cartier's iconic wristwatch model. Rumours love to swirl, and rumour has it that it was a request from an eminent client, the Pasha of Marrakesh, which led to the creation of the Étanche. The Pasha of Marrakesh required a watch that he could continue to wear whilst swimming in his pool and so, he turned to Cartier. With a design focus on the square and rectangle, the creation of a waterproof watch would be no simple task for the Parisian jewellers. Yet true to style, the challenge would be accepted. As with many Cartier models, it was the genius of Edmond Jaeger which would allow the rectangular design of the waterproof Étanche to become reality. A gold inner case was created to house and protect the movement and dial, which was then surrounded by a layer of rubber and finally, clasped into the watch's gold outer case - the entire structure being held together by screws.

Cartier succeeded. Whilst the Étanche may not have been their greatest victory, its assembly was remarkably complex and as a result very few were ever made, its scarcity puts it amongst the rarest of Cartier watches to have ever been produced. To find a genuine Étanche on the vintage market would most certainly be to strike pure gold. An aspect which gives the Étanche a particularly exclusive edge and unique value in terms of Cartier heritage - and a likely reason for Cartier's decision to revisit the model as part of their renowned Collection Privée Cartier Paris, in the form of the Tank à Vis.

The watch

The Tank à Vis bears the main and distinct hallmark of its fleeting forerunner - a raised, slightly arched bezel. The key difference is that on the Tank à Vis, the bezel has four, delicately placed screws, one in each corner. A gentle and admiring nod towards the mechanics of watchmaking perhaps, the mechanics that made intricately complex models such as the Étanche, possible. These small, platinum screws become a feature of the piece, brought to the fore and wonderfully pushed to prominence as an aesthetic element of the clean design.

Released as part of the CPCP in various forms: wandering hour, dual-time and time-only, as well as in various precious metals: yellow gold, white gold and platinum, the Tank à Vis presented here is perhaps the most refined of them all: time-only, in platinum. The piece has the reference number 2485D and its rectangular platinum case measures 27 x 31 mm (39mm lug to lug), with a height of 8mm. The distinct bezel and entire top of the case are polished, and this polished finish continues to the base of each lug. The sides and back of the case are brushed. The echo of the Étanche is felt with the 'water resistant' engraving on the caseback, which is also signed.

As with all CPCP models, the dial stuns: 18 carat white gold delicately decorated with radiating guilloché from the rose centre to every edge and corner, elegantly offset by the platinum that surrounds it. Cartier's trademark black Roman numerals are printed on the dial, a secret signature is to be found at 7, and Cartier's traditional railway track minute markers sit to the inside of the Roman numerals, mirroring the rectangular shape of the case. Cartier Paris sits discreetly just below the 12, a recognizable feature of CPCP models.

Completed with graceful, blued sword hands, which complement the sapphire cabochon of the platinum crown, this version of the Tank à Vis strikes just the right balance between old and new, past and present.

Movement

Several movements used in the Collection Privée Cartier Paris were developed with the assistance of Piaget and the Tank à Vis is powered by one of such movements, the calibre 437MC. This movement, based on a Piaget ébauche, contains 18 jewels and has 125 parts. Its balance vibrates at 21,600 times per hour and the watch power reserve, when fully wound, is 40 hours.

How it wears

Adhering to the Cartier design code, every element of the Tank à Vis sits in perfect proportion and harmony, making it an absolute pleasure to wear. With its strong, rectangular form and near on uniform height from lug to lug, its presence on the wrist is powerful. The strength of the piece is reinforced by the cool hue of the platinum case, while a twist of lightness is brought by the white gold guilloché dial.

The set & condition

This smart Tank à Vis comes with its complete set: box, papers and manual. The watch is in good condition and has recently been serviced. The original Cartier Folding buckle is included as well.

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