Cartier Tank Americaine ref. 1726 Automatic 18kt White Gold Watch Only

Inspired by the curved case of the 1921 Tank Cintrée, the Tank Américaine was first released in 1989, as Cartier’s designers revisited the curved case of the 1921 Tank Cintrée and made it longer, more convex and more substantial, all of which combined to create a distinctively modern watch. Offered here we have the Tank Americaine ref. 1726, which is the mid-size model in 18k white gold. Weighing in at roughly 23mm by 41mm, the ref. 1726’s proportions suit a man’s wrist and a woman’s equally well. With its case curving along its length to follow the wrist creating an ergonomic fit and brancards that extend into substantial lugs, the Tank Americaine’s profile is wonderfully distinctive, and offered almost exclusively in precious metal until Cartier revised the collection in 2017, its heft too is a wonderfully unique part of its proposition. 

As with most of Cartier’s watches, the ref. 1726’s dial is unmistakably Cartier. Featuring a silver engine-turned guilloché display, it boasts exploding black Roman numerals that follow the case’s elongated shape, blued steel sword hands that are a hallmark of Cartier, and a railway minute track that hides a date window at 6 o’clock that gives the watch plenty of utility. With a sapphire cabochon topping off its octagonal crown, the Tank Americaine boasts just about every design motif that Cartier have become known for over the decades. Powered by an automatic movement as opposed to quartz, in line with its higher-end case material, the Tank Americaine represents Cartier in their very best neo-vintage light, with its impressively ergonomic construction harbouring a beautiful dial that stands atop an impressively fine movement that powers the whole thing.

Offered in very good condition, this example’s 18kt white gold case is well preserved and shows no visible signs of damage outside of what we would expect such as light swirling scratches. The case has been polished, and lacks dents or deep scratches. The dial and hands are pristine. The crystal does have a short scratch at 7 o’clock. The original Cartier leather strap with its 18kt white gold Cartier buckle is also with the watch. While the leather strap hasnt seen a lot of wear, the edge paint is peeling in areas. The movement and crown work and function as they should.

Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Americaine
Reference: 1726
Set: Watch only
Year: Circa 2000
Dial: Silver
Material: 18kt white gold
Movement: Automatic cal. 077
Case Diameter: 23mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug-to-lug: 42mm
Lug Width: 15.5mm
Bracelet/Strap: Original Cartier leather strap with original 18kt white gold Cartier pin buckle