Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Skeleton Lacquered Review

amanico · 2022-07-01T06:40:49Z

Explore the Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Skeleton Lacquered from Watches and Wonders 2022. A collector's review of this exceptional timepiece.

amanico

WPS member · Cartier forum

18 replies3982 views11 photos

Amanico's review of the Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Skeleton Lacquered from Watches and Wonders 2022 offers a deeply personal perspective on a watch that captivated him despite his self-professed limited familiarity with the brand. His detailed observations highlight the exquisite design and technical prowess that make this reference a standout, inviting readers to appreciate its nuances through a fresh lens. This article delves into why this particular Tank Chinoise resonated so strongly, exploring its blend of traditional aesthetics and modern horological artistry.

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I will say it straight, this Tank Chinoise Skeleton is one of the watches which pleased me the most, this year. I must confess that I don't know a lot about Cartier and that only a few watches from this brand have caught my attention, but here, I have strongly fallen in love. And, second surprise, the yellow gold version too!

Almost every detail is exquisite, here.

The case, first, which is a sublime contrast between polished ( the side case and lugs ) and brushed ( the bezel and the upper part of the lugs ) and also the shapes, curved and angular.

The dimensions are perfect for a normal wrist, not too small nor too big for watches of this class: 39, 59 mm long, 29, 2 mm large and 7, 7 mm high. And it is water resistant enough for a normal use ( 30 meters ).

Cherry on the cake, a red ruby cabochon is adorning the crown of the platinum version, while, on the yellow gold, it is a blue sapphire.

The dial is the part of the watch which pleases me the most, with these lacquered bridges " covering " the skeleton movement. The shape of these bridges, the red and black lacquer ( for the yellow gold ) or blue and red ( for the platinum version ) add a crazy class, elegance, and also some originality.

The movement is the Cal 9627 which comes from Piaget, I think. Skeletonized, it oozes class. Manual winding, it beats at 21, 600 alternances per hour and offers a power reserve of 38 hours.

Limited to 100 pieces for the platinum and the yellow gold version, they won't be easy to score, I think. 20 pieces were made in platinum, but jeweled.

Between the platinum and the yellow gold versions, my heart goes for the platinum, but I must say that the yellow gold is dangerously tempting, too.

The only part of the watch which didn't convince me is the strap. I find it too large for this kind of watch. I would also go for a tapered one, too, to enhance its refinement.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The construction and caliber integration are exceptional, with the movement looking impressive from both front and back, contrasting sharply with the less appealing plain dials of standard versions.
The intricate bridges and the precise adaptation of the movement to fit within them represent a significant horological achievement, making the piece more compelling upon closer inspection.
The watches, particularly the skeletonized versions, evoke a strong sense of jewelry or bracelet design rather than a traditional timepiece, suggesting a unique aesthetic appeal that warrants an in-person viewing.
The watch's chinoiserie aesthetic is highly appealing, leading to a desire for a non-limited production to make it more accessible for collectors.
The platinum version without jewels is preferred over the yellow gold, as the black bars on the yellow gold model are perceived as slightly distracting.

The Discussion

ifraher

Jul 1, 2022

The 'standard' versions are really nice

The platinum in particular, a more muscular Tank

amanico

Jul 1, 2022

Yes, not bad, but the skeletons are a step above, in my opinion.

Gelato Monster

Jul 1, 2022

i am not warm metal but IMHO this one is most gorgeous in gold

amanico

Jul 1, 2022

I do understand that very well.

Geo

Jul 1, 2022

These Skeleton versions of the Tank Chinoise

are amazing, especially the way they are built and how the caliber fits the case of the watch. The caliber looks so good on both sides. The plain dials from the standard version did not please me at all. GEO

amanico

Jul 1, 2022

I must confess that I didn't pay any attention to them. I saw the plain dials, but it did nothing to me. At the contrary of these Skeletons which are dangerously tempting...