Cartier Tank Américaine Platinum

Few watches have achieved true icon status. The Cartier Tank is one of them.

Since Louis Cartier introduced the original Tank in 1917, its elegant geometry and perfect proportions have made it one of the most enduring designs in watchmaking. Inspired by the aerial view of military tanks crossing the battlefields of the First World War, the Tank transformed a machine of war into an object of beauty. More than a century later, it remains as relevant—and as recognizable—as ever.

The Tank Américaine, introduced in 1989, brought a new dimension to the family. Longer, more curved, and more architectural than its predecessors, it took inspiration from the legendary Tank Cintrée while adapting the design for a modern era. The result is one of the most sophisticated interpretations of the Tank ever produced.

This particular example elevates the formula even further. Housed in a 44.4mm x 24.4mm platinum case, the watch pairs Cartier's iconic silhouette with one of the most captivating dials in its contemporary catalog. The salmon-colored dial features a subtle Art Deco-inspired motif that radiates across its surface, creating depth and warmth while remaining unmistakably Cartier. Rhodium-plated 'sword' hands sweep across the dial, while the faceted ruby cabochon crown offers a striking departure from the sapphire traditionally associated with the Tank collection.

Turn the watch over and inside beats Cartier's automatic mechanical movement, providing the convenience of self-winding operation while preserving the elegant proportions that have always defined the Tank Américaine. At just 8.6mm thick, it slips effortlessly beneath a cuff while retaining substantial wrist presence thanks to its elongated profile.

Fitted to a semi-matte burgundy alligator strap with an interchangeable 18K white gold folding clasp, this example is accompanied by its complete set of boxes, papers, warranty card, and accessories dated to the 2020s.

The Tank has always been a watch favored by artists, tastemakers, and collectors who appreciate design above all else. In platinum with a salmon dial, the Tank Américaine feels less like a variation on a classic and more like one of the finest expressions of the model ever created.

Despite being a purveyor of haute joaillerie, Cartier has had a long tradition of making watches.

It started in 1907, when founder Louis Cartier made what was one of the first wristwatches for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont. In the following years, the brand made a name for itself with its most famous wristwatch, the Tank, in all its multitudinous forms.

Cartier introduced the Tank in 1917 — which was supposedly inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks seen on the battlefields of World War I — with a run of six pieces. (According to legend, these were given to American General John J. Pershing and his staff.) Cartier took the look of the Renault tank's treads and applied it to the watch’s lugs, which were integrated via brancards into the case itself. That first run of six pieces increased to thirty-three by 1920, and by the end of the 20th Century, that number stood well in the hundreds of thousands. Indeed, in sheer volume alone, the Tank — in all its various models — is Cartier's largest line of watches.

The Tank Louis was introduced in 1922, followed close on the heels of the Asian-influenced Tank Chinoise. The Chinoise, released amidst a mania for jewelry inspired by the Orient, has a square rather than rectangular case and lugs that resemble the portico of a Chinese pagoda.

From its debut, the Tank would see many variations, each in keeping with Louis Cartier’s taste for clean lines and perfect symmetry. Each variant — from the original Tank to the Tank Louis to the Cintrée with its flirtatious, curvaceous lines — has its passionate devotees. Rudolph Valentino, that sensual star of the silver screen, insisted on wearing his Tank onscreen in The Son of the Sheik, and Clark Gable, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were among those who sported a one throughout the years.

Other model lines, including the Santos (based upon the original model crafted for Alberto Santos-Dumont) and the Pasha, have developed devoted followers. Indeed, the maison is unique as one of the few jewelry brands to elicit as much passion from collectors as dedicated watch companies.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.