Cartier Tank Asymétrique 5th Avenue New York Boutique Limited - Platinum

The watch

A wonderfully unconventional expression of Cartier's design language, this Tank Asymétrique, reference WGTA0120, was created exclusively for Cartier's historic Fifth Avenue boutique in New York.

The watch takes the unmistakable asymmetric architecture of the 1936 original and reinterprets it in a thoroughly contemporary form. Its platinum case gives the design a cool, understated presence, while the diagonal geometry creates an appearance unlike virtually any other modern Cartier.

The dial is perhaps its most distinctive feature. Executed in a rich navy blue with a sunray finish, the surface radiates light from the centre of the watch, creating subtle changes in tone as it catches the light. Radiating light-blue indexes provide contrast against the deep blue ground. In a charming departure from the original Asymétrique, where the even Arabic numerals were emphasised, Cartier has chosen to highlight the odd numerals on this New York edition.

Most notably, the 5 is given particular prominence, creating a subtle reference to the watch's destination: Fifth Avenue. It is a wonderfully restrained detail, immediately recognisable to those familiar with Cartier's New York history. The colour of the dial continues onto the alligator strap, creating a coherent monochromatic composition between the case, dial and wrist. A ruby-set beaded crown provides the only vivid flash of colour, contrasting beautifully with the cool platinum of the case.

The result is a watch that manages to be simultaneously historic and contemporary, unmistakably Cartier, yet far removed from the conventional proportions of the classic Tank.

Rarity

The rarity of the Tank Asymétrique Fifth Avenue is one of its most compelling qualities. Cartier has never publicly disclosed an official production figure for this special edition, describing it simply as a limited edition created exclusively for the Fifth Avenue boutique.

However, some collectors, states that the model was released in a limited series of just 24 pieces, reserved for the boutique's best clients. While the exact total production cannot be independently confirmed from Cartier's public records, the available auction evidence strongly supports a production of approximately 24 examples. At the very least, the edition was clearly produced in extremely limited numbers and was never a regular-production Cartier model.

For this reason, we believe 24 examples is the most credible figure currently available, while acknowledging that the true production number may be slightly higher.

Movement

The watch is powered by Cartier's manually wound calibre 1917 MC, a movement specially suited to the unusual architecture of the Tank Asymétrique. Its slim construction allows Cartier to preserve the elegant, low-profile character of the case while retaining the traditional intimacy of a manually wound mechanical movement.

The calibre is a fitting choice for this particular watch: discreet, technically refined and designed to remain almost entirely hidden behind the extraordinary geometry of the case.

How it wears

Few Cartier watches have quite the same presence on the wrist as the Tank Asymétrique.

Its diagonal architecture immediately changes the relationship between the watch and the wrist. Rather than sitting conventionally, the case creates a continuous visual movement from one corner to the other, giving the impression that the entire watch is in motion.

Despite its unconventional shape, it wears with remarkable elegance. The slim platinum case keeps the watch refined, while the deep navy dial gives it a more contemporary and confident character than many of Cartier's traditional dress watches.

The combination of platinum, navy blue and ruby creates an exceptionally sophisticated palette. It is discreet enough to wear formally, yet distinctive enough to become the defining detail of an outfit.

This is not a watch that simply tells the time. It is a piece of Cartier's design history worn on the wrist — instantly recognisable to the initiated, and wonderfully enigmatic to everyone else.

The set & condition

An exceptionally rare modern Cartier, this Tank Asymétrique Fifth Avenue is presented in very good condition and comes with its Cartier outer and inner boxes, warranty papers, certificate, Limited edition certificate, original purchase invoice, Cartier cloth, Cartier loop original Cartier strap and Cartier platinum folding buckle.

Created exclusively for Cartier's historic Fifth Avenue boutique, this modern interpretation of the Tank Asymétrique is a particularly compelling expression of Cartier's fascination with geometry, colour and unconventional case design.

Reference	WGTA0120 - 4285
Movement	Manual
Caliber	Calibre 1917 MC
Dial	Sunburst Navy Bleu
Size (Case)	47mm x 26mm x 6.4mm
Material (Case)	Platinum
Bracelet	Cartier Alligator
Buckle	Cartier Platinum buckle
Condition	Very good
Year	Sold in 2023
Papers	Yes
Box	Yes
Warranty	2 years