Featuring the classic time-only format as well as the first-ever skeletonised style

For years now it has been an annual tradition for Cartier to revive a seminal timepiece from its storied past as part of the Priv&eacute; collection &ndash; a compilation of its greatest horological hits, if you will. This time around, devotees will be thrilled to know that the model of choice is the cult-favourite Tank Asym&eacute;trique, which returns for 2020 in the classic time-only version and a contemporary openworked variant.

First introduced in 1936, the unapologetically audacious design represented a radical departure from the conventions of watchmaking with its deliberately canted case, which was unlike anything seen before. Parallel brancards were offset on a bias to transform the rectangle of the archetypal Tank into a diamond, while the entire dial was rotated 30 degrees to the right, such that the 12 o&rsquo;clock marker appeared on the upper right-hand corner of the case. This was done to make it easier to read the time, particularly if you were driving a car at high speed and didn&rsquo;t want to take your hand off the wheel. Legibility was further enhanced by the use of Arabic numerals instead of Roman.

1.tif

2.tif

Still as striking a style statement as it was eight decades ago (if not more), the new Cartier Priv&eacute; Tank Asym&eacute;trique retains all the signature details of the original, except it is now equipped with the Manufacture 1917 MC movement, which runs at a moderate 3Hz and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. Featuring the characteristic cabochon-set winding crown at 2 o&rsquo;clock, the brushed dial is also reimagined with a serif typeface and sword-shaped hands. The watch is available in pink gold, yellow gold, and platinum, each in a limited run of 100 pieces.

Better still, the Cartier Priv&eacute; revamp sees the first-ever skeletonised Tank Asym&eacute;trique make its debut. Showcasing the self-winding 9623 MC calibre, the skeleton movement forms the dial, with the mainspring barrel located at 12 o&rsquo;clock and the balance wheel at 6 o&rsquo;clock. In an unusual move, the hour numerals and indices are inlaid with blue lacquer to complement the blued-steel hands, while the glossy alligator leather strap is fitted with an ardillon buckle. The Tank Asym&eacute;trique Skeleton arrives in platinum and 18-karat pink gold, as well as a gemstone-encrusted iteration set with 250 brilliant-cut diamonds, all created in a limited series of 100 numbered pieces for each aesthetic.

&nbsp;

Find out more at <a href="https://cartierwatchmakingencounters.com/en">cartierwatchmakingencounters.com</a>

Think Tank: Cartier Brings Back The Tank Asymétrique As Part Of Its 2020 Privé Collection

Tags

Related Articles

Watches & Jewellery

Shape Of Things To Come: Cartier's New Baignoire Collection

Watches & Jewellery

Chain Reaction: The New Maillon De Cartier Puts A Fresh Twist On The Classic Chain Link

Watches & Jewellery

Presenting The Latest From Clash De Cartier

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

AESPA's NingNing Kicks off Festivities with Versace's Holiday 2024 Campaign

Fashion

Digital Cover Story: Hwang In-youp Makes His Sparkling Return

Fashion

All The Celebrities at The Sound of Prada in Seoul

Watches & Jewellery

Cartier, the Power of Magic Exhibition Opens at Shanghai Museum

Fashion

(G)I-DLE's Song Yuqi Shines in her First Tory Burch Campaign as New Ambassador

Beauty

How to Translate the 'Clean Goth' Fashion Trend to Your Beauty Routine

Fashion

BLACKPINK's Jennie's Best Airport Fashion Moments So Far

Fashion

The Dior Caro Backpack: A Modern Icon in the Making