Cartier Tank Allongée

OMG OMG OMG. BABY TANK! This vintage Tank Allongée is about a quarter a size of the men’s version. No longer in production, obvi, as it seems Cartier has ditched most of its teeny tiny models in favor of the big boys. But this Tank: she’s long and skinny, just like all the pretty models walking around NYC on a daily basis. I’m absolutely obsessed with this watch. A perfect piece for those who j'adore the Tank, but want to switch it up a bit. The size itself makes for a brilliantly proportioned statement. 

THE BASICS

DATE OF BIRTH: Circa Early 2000s 

MATERIAL: 18 carat yellow gold with a black alligator strap and original 18 carat Cartier “Tang” buckle 

SIZE: 14.5mm across by 28mm long

MOVEMENT: Quartz

CONDITION: Lightly worn, but unpolished

BOX/PAPERS: Yes/yes 

THE NITTY GRITTY:

An eighteen carat yellow gold Cartier Tank Allongée on its original alligator watch band. This is another take on Cartier’s most iconic and successful model. The history of the Tank watch is very well known, and this version, the ‘Allongée’, was another adaptation of it. Slightly longer and skinnier through the width, it is perhaps the most elegant Tank to come in this size. The proportions on this model really work. Sad to think that this elegant and beautifully proportioned model no longer sits in the Cartier line today. 

The dial is everything one comes to love about Cartier watches: egg shell dial, black Roman numerals, blue steeled hands and the discreet "hidden" signature, this time located at the classic seven o'clock position. The dial is signed "Swiss" at the six o’clock position. The original crystal is fitted to the watch and has an elegant slight bombé shape. Another nod to classic Cartier detailing is the cabochon sapphire set into the crown.

The fully signed and hallmarked watch case back is held in place by a number of small gold screws, beneath which is a Cartier quartz movement. Another beautiful and sadly often lost element is the original, also fully signed eighteen carat gold Cartier Tang buckle. Overall the watch is in excellent original condition, more than likely unpolished and with only light wear. The watch is also complete with its box and papers, another unusual and exciting addition to this rare and beautiful time piece.