sham1
9619
What have I done?! :-)
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......
What have I done?! :-)
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...
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
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 futur...
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
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.
I agree!
I guess that makes the steel watches a real bargain and should ensure a larger market share in that segment.
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.
I don't blame you Mike!
I would do the same. Paying crazy money for a metal is not so clever unless one has lots of money. I am fortunate that the price of this platinum watch is only marginally higher than the gold models. And if you ask me, your Drive looks better in stainless...
Only based on pictures, this is one of the highlights for me too
And at an affordable budget in today's market. Well done and congratulations. Best regards, Dirk
So true!
I think the Richemont group and Cartier in particular have re examined and corrected their pricing structure which is not only great for us but for them too in the long run. Thank you Dirk for your kind comments!
A classy watch for a classy guy!!
Well done Sham, it is a wonderful watch. I am sure that you will enjoy it for many years. More pics please! Kind regards Antony
You are way too kind Ant! :-)
More pics?! You know me and pics - no skill, no talent, no equipment (all the money gone to watches!) and quite a miracle to come up with any pics
Just saying the truth!!
Untalented? In my experience that is not the case, you are far too modest! I look forward to seeing it adorn your wrist. Kindest regards, Antony
I look forward to THAT day myself!
It is strange. I am quite patient waiting for the 5940G and the RW Smith in the many years to come but with this watch, I actually want it as soon as possible!
I think I know why
The Cartier is exciting your emotions....maybe the others not so much? Hmmm? )
Ah I always knew you were Yoda in disguise o wise one! :-)
I just go all weak when I see a lovely dial and this Cartier is beyond lovely to me!
Very nice Cartier my friend. Big big congratulations for this new incoming in your collection
You’re right about the faded minute track which gives a nice contrast between the two numerals and the case. I particularly like the ruby crown too which is a subtle but gorgeous touch. With this shape, this Cartier literally makes love to your wrist 😉 I ...
And may I please confirm
that while trying on the tank cintree, it was making love to my wrist!! Yes, I know, my lucky wrist. How else can a watch measuring 46.3mm in length fit my small wrist unless it blackmailed my wrist by wrapping itself around it and not letting it go A rea...
We want to see a daring wristshot as soon as possible 😉
For sure we’ll find another opportunity 😊 Best wishes Alkiro
What is a daring wrist shot??!! :-)
I dare not even imagine what you might have in mind
Hmmm, in that case
maybe I should only wear the Cartier indoors! I do not want to get arrested for inappropriate behaviour
Congrats with the best version of the three!!
Fantastic Tank! Must say that I liked them all three, but this platinum, was also for me the best. But what a pity that we had not a change to run into each other at the SIHH. GEO
Next time Geo
we must meet. I have been spoiled by having the privilege of meeting some really fantastic purists. I have always thought of watchmakers as a humble and likeable bunch but little did I expect purists to be such a friendly and humble bunch.
Huge Congrats (again 😉) my friend
Its such a nice watch , i can see why you like it so much . Its got pure class and its modern yet classic at the same time . Was great seeing you again .
I hope your meetings went well!
Thank you and yes it was so nice to see you again and I have to say that I am likely to keep this Cartier forever which something I rarely say about a watch. Did you buy an Akriva?!
No i didnt buy one . Its a nice company and the owner is a nice and humble guy
as well . But not sure about the design of the case yet . The movement and techniek is great .maybe it needs some time for me .
It is quite a niche product
and the prices are also quite steep but you are right, nice company and nice owner.
Thank you so much for saying so Don!
Coming from you that is quite something. I felt the same way about the watch. Normally, I would be fussing about the movement and finishing but this watch became a part of me the minute I saw it. And when I tried it on, it was a case of which number of th...
The Floater
Fellow PuristS, I can officially attest to sham1's state of mind. He was practically fooating on air as he hovered pass me in the corridor. The man could barely articulate his love. Even my best efforts to dissuade him from a rushed decision fell upon dea...
I can confirm that MTF did his best
to dissuade me from my purchase offering me wisdom in exchange but when I am in love with a watch, wisdom is futile! Notice being in love with a watch and loving a watch is quite different for me at least Sorry our meeting was rushed MTF but when one is f...
I've never seen someone seal the deal so quickly
sham1, My disbelief is the speed of events. I'm also a little perturbed that someone flies 12 hours each way to attend SIHH for less than 4 hours....er....what?!? That is not love...it is lust. Regards, MTF
A fine line between love and lust! :-)
Actually I will be in the UK for the next 3 weeks and just had the privilege of having dinner with Patrick Y in London. Next week, I am off to Frankfurt for a few hours to possibly secure a watch. So yes I agree that less than 4 hours at the SIHH is a lit...
That's a beautiful watch, love it.
I would wear it with a big smile on my face. Congratulations. Vte
Thank you very much Vte!
I can't seem to remove that smile from my face since seeing the watch. It is a very sad state of affairs when a watch has such an impact on a human being
Love it! Love it! Love it!
Since when buying a watch a decision of the mind and not the heart? When falling in love, all else is out the window... well for watches anyways 😬 And on top of this, some best decisions are made impromptu and we'll be looking back on that occasion with m...
Many thanks Kamal for your post!
We normally go for different watches so for you to say that you love it either means my taste is slowly improving or at past midnight in Malaysia, you are being terribly kind! Either way, you will be one of the first to see it when it arrives in Kuala Lum...
For me, this piece
and in particular if in platinum, oozes with sexiness and pure class. As an old man, some of the latter is much needed!
I meant to say the former...
Note to self: do not reply to posts past midnight especially while watching football!
And if I may say so
you definitely should add it to your collection of Cartier tank watches!!
Only with this particular watch! :-)
But I have little doubt that when you do see it, you will need little persuasion
Yoou have done the right thing...
And to be honest and transparent the same I did today, unbelievable isn’t it?!? Maybe we even were close to each other late in the morning... I was in love since the first pic I saw Yesterday don’t ask me way, called Olivier, the deputy GM of the Milan bo...
Congratulations Luca!
I see the Cintree had you in its spell too. Phew, I am glad I am in good company I only arrived in Geneva at 12.15pm and my appointment with Cartier was at 2pm so you definitely placed your order before me and you might even have taken one of the numbers ...
Same for me!!! I wish you a wonderful weekend!!!
Noe let’s start the countdown... Ciao Luca
What an exquisite piece
very lucky person you are to own such beauty. Congratulations!!
Thank you Jim! :-)
Even though this watch does not come for free, I definitely feel lucky to be a prospective owner. Such is its allure! Ok, arguably I am just going bonkers
Congratulations!
Do you think this might still be available for order? And did you have to pay the full price as deposit?
Thanks!
Yes it may still be available for order. The deposit left is dependent on whether you buy it from the boutique or an AD. I had to leave a 40 percent deposit with the boutique.
I agree, bit given the 100 piece limited edition, and what I’v heard @ SIHH, considering Cartier has 300 boutiques in the world, I believe it won’t be so easy
To find. I thnk they will be sold out quite quickly, taken into account also the retail price which is not outrageous as it could have been My very humble 2 cents Best Luca
Maybe you could be right... but I find the app so easy to use that open my Macbook instead of using the iPhone it is so much more annoying...
... you still need to tell me which is your number fot the tank cintree... Best Luca
Quite interestingly
my AD in the UK has offered me a 10 percent discount on this watch plus I get my VAT back as I live in Malaysia. Despite this, I feel that I should buy this watch from Nathalie of the Paris boutique due to her excellent service. Saving money especially as...
A 40% deposit with the Boutique????
That is a a shame and no class, what a cheap behavier of a Boutique. Because when you order with them and you do not show up, they can sell it to any one. I am speechless.
Interesting take
I look at it slightly differently. Imagine, I placed an order with no deposit and specified a particular number of the limited edition with my order. In ten months time when the watch arrives, I tell the boutique I am not interested in the watch any longe...
I understand what you mean
but I think in general we have too much patience with these blond, high heeled walking credit card machines, that are under so much pressure to sell, sell, sell.. The way watches are sold these days, even in the brand BTQ's is so pushing. I am just fed up...
For me personally
I would never buy any watch where the sales person adopts a hard sell approach. The watch should sell itself in the first pace and the role of the sales person is to provide me with any information I may not have or to speak about the beauty of the watch....
Just to confirm
I flew into Paris today to pay for the watch that I had ordered. I enquired if there were any left and was told that they were all sold out. I cannot say if that meant all the watches had been allocated to the relevant boutiques and retailers or that all ...
These photos are GORGEOUS!!!
So is the watch. You didn't credit who you borrow the images from. This watch looks a lot like the Patek 5105P ...same vibe. Congrats to you!!! *CL