Cartier Tank Cintrée Platinum Limited Edition

sham1 · 2018-01-19T01:36:17Z

Sham1's SIHH 2018 discovery: the Cartier Tank Cintrée in platinum. Explore why this limited edition, with its vintage dial and ruby crown, captivated collectors.

sham1

WPS member · Cartier forum

74 replies18619 views3 photos

Sham1 recounts his momentous visit to SIHH 2018, where he unexpectedly fell in love with the new Cartier Tank Cintrée in platinum. His post captures the immediate emotional connection he felt with the watch, a rare experience he previously associated only with Patek Philippe. This article explores sham1's 'love at first sight' and the unique attributes that made this limited edition Cartier a must-have acquisition.

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Yesterday was my third ever visit to the SIHH and arguably my shortest at three and a half hours but I did manage to have a quick lunch with Alkiro and Watchonthewrist before heading off to my Cartier appointment. What I had not realised was that Nathalie who works at the Cartier Boutique in Paris had made the trip to Geneva just to meet me (seriously!) after having met me in Paris in November and then subsequently inviting me to the SIHH. The last time I bought a Cartier was twenty years ago coincidentally from the same Paris boutique - a small platinum Santos Dumont. I have always felt that in the last decade that Cartier has lost its direction in its watch designs and most of their watches lacked the delicacy, finesses,style and class of yesteryears, the years that that Cartier led the watch world when it came to class and design. And many were not even wearable. But this is about to change.

I was most pleased when I heard that Cartier has decided to return to its roots but still I did not expect my visit yesterday to be as momentous as it was. Most of us go to Basel or the SIHH to see what's new but the idea is not to buy anything unless it is something quite extraordinary. Yesterday, I fell in love with a watch at first sight, a feeling I have only experienced on three previous occasions and all three watches have been Pateks. But the minute I set eyes on the new Tank Cintree in platinum, my heart beat increased (and this is no exaggeration) and immediately, mental calculations were taking place to see if the watch was affordable. The watch will be produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces. It will be delivered in November, longer than I initially expected but those who know me know that I actually enjoy waiting for my watches ie RW Smith series 2020, Patek 5940G somewhere between 2023 and 2028

I think apart from the curved design of the watch what to me sets this watch apart from any other is the dial. Cartier has ingeniously made a dial where the minute track looks faded and this gives the watch a natural vintage patina. I even liked the dark grey matt leather strap which was ultra comfortable. Some may bemoan the fact that the watch comes with a pin buckle rather than Cartier's signature deployant clasp but I have always preferred pin buckles.I even love the weight of the watch and I dare anyone to find a lighter platinum watch. Notice also the ruby crown to denote that the watch is in platinum rather than the usual sapphire. I must have been totally captivated as I actually forgot to have a wrist shot taken! I know, I know, how irresponsible! Still here are photos borrowed which in all honesty are brilliant but still does not show the true beauty of the watch. Yes I am in love......

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Key Points from the Discussion

The new Cartier Tank Cintrée in platinum captivated the author instantly, a rare 'love at first sight' experience previously reserved for Patek Philippe watches, highlighting its extraordinary appeal.
The watch's curved design and ingeniously faded minute track, which gives it a natural vintage patina, are key features that distinguish it from other models.
The platinum Tank Cintrée features a ruby crown, a subtle detail indicating its platinum construction, and comes with a comfortable dark grey matte leather strap and a pin buckle, which the author prefers over a deployant clasp.
Another collector also purchased the same limited edition platinum Tank Cintrée on the same day, underscoring its immediate desirability and impact at SIHH.
The watch's unique shape allows it to conform exceptionally well to the wrist, even a small one, making it incredibly comfortable despite its 46.3mm length.
The faded minute track creates a beautiful contrast with the numerals and case, while the ruby crown is a subtle yet gorgeous touch that enhances the watch's appeal.
The author emphasizes that buying a watch, especially one that evokes such strong emotion, is often a decision of the heart rather than the mind, leading to cherished acquisitions.

The Discussion

TJMike

Jan 19, 2018

Congratulations!

I have been impressed with what Cartier have done recently. It is a beautiful watch and enjoy counting down the days until it is on your wrist

sham1

Jan 19, 2018

Thank you Mike! :-)

Yes I agree that their recent watches are quite a departure from the last decade. The medium sized (called large!) Louis Cartier tank watch is a return to its best form especially as it comes as a manual winding watch. My wish in the not too distant future is for them to bring back the tank basculante, one of my all time favourites

Geo

Jan 19, 2018

You are so right about the Louis Cartier Tank

Cartier sees them as ladies models, but in fact the largest one, is larger than the classic mens size. It is an amazing watch, I tried it with the bracelet and that is so well done. GEO

TJMike

Jan 19, 2018

My only issue with Cartier

Is the huge price difference between the models in SS and precious metals. Obviously gold and platinum watches will cost quite a bit more. However, the price differential between the recently announced Drive 39mm in SS and yellow gold is insane.

sham1

Jan 19, 2018

I agree!

I guess that makes the steel watches a real bargain and should ensure a larger market share in that segment.

TJMike

Jan 19, 2018

I would like a Drive in Yellow Gold

However, when I can get the same watch in SS for about $12,000 cheaper I will always go for the SS model.