Why We Love It
Cartier has a reputation for greatness in luxury for good reason. Their iconic watches and jewelry collections can be recognized from miles away. The Tank collection is perhaps the most recognizable of the lot - even when its not your average Tank!
This particular Tank - a Privé Collection Tank Asymétrique came out in 2020 and pays a perfect tribute to the Asymétrique models originally designed in 1936, all with a touch of modernity.
Featuring an 18K red gold case with a whimsical 'slanted' design that plays on the quintessential Cartier design, printed roman numerals over an anthracite-toned dial, and the always-classy blue cabochon sapphire winding crown, this timepiece strikes a perfect balance between retro-homage and modern elegance.
Produced in a series of only 100 pieces and sold new in 2020, this lovely Cartier is being offered in near-mint condition with its full set including the inner and outer boxes, warranty card, gray alligator strap and red gold pin buckle, instruction manual, and hangtags.
Just. Outstanding.
The Story
Watch collectors remember Alberto Santos-Dumont for the watch that bears his name--the Cartier Santos, which has the distinction of being one of the first watches designed especially to be worn on the wrist.
But history will remember Santos-Dumont as being a pioneer in the world of aviation, a man who flew both lighter-than-air craft, like balloons and dirigibles, as well as airplanes, distinguishing himself in both. In 1900, Santos piloted the Santos-Dumont 5 from the Parc de Saint-Cloud (located 6 miles from Paris) to the Eiffel Tower in less than six minutes, winning the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize. Santos later donated the 100,000 franc prize to the poor of Paris.
To us, he's the namesake of Cartier's flagship line of wristwatches. As the legend goes, after winning the Deutsch prize, Santos-Dumont and his friends celebrated at Maxim's restaurant in Paris. While there, he complained to his friend Louis Cartier of the difficulty he faced when trying to check the time while operating the controls of his aircraft, the 14 bis.
Cartier's response was to devise something entirely new--a watch with a slim case in a distinctive shape, affixed to a leather strap with a small buckle, meant to be worn on the wrist. Voilà, the Cartier Santos was born. It would become the first commercially-available wristwatch for men in 1911.
With its slim profile, for many watch enthusiasts the Cartier Santos represented the epitome of a dress watch. However, a redesign in the late 1970s ushered in a new era for the model. Perhaps inspired by the popularity of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Cartier released a larger, sportier version of the Santos in steel.
