While the modern brand is primarily known for its jewelry, Cartier has a rich horological heritage that has only begun to garner the attention it deserves. Up until about 20 years ago, that history was so overlooked that Cartier launched the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, or CPCP as it became known in 1998. A means of expanding their horological offerings following the Quartz Crisis, the CPCP enabled Cartier to usher in a new era for their watchmaking division with new designs and some truly remarkable feats of horology.
With the Collection Prive, Cartier began fitting their models with movements that could go toe-to-toe with the higher horology brands. One of those exact watches, the Tank A Vis ref. 2484 hails from the CPCP program and so perfectly showcases that incredible level of craftsmanship inside and out.
While featuring the Tank's signature rectangular shape in 18k yellow gold, the Tank A Vis was, in fact, directly inspired by the historical Tank Étanche design that Cartier created in 1931. As such, the Tank A Vis sports a slightly unique case design as the bezel is secured to the case with screws in each corner which provide a level of water resistance. Furthermore, with its gently sloping lugs, the Tank A Vis' 27mm wide case wears comfortably as the strap continues to follow the direction of the lugs across its wearer's wrist.
Housed within its 18kt yellow gold case, the ref. 2484 features Cartier's signature dial design. White with Cartier's iconic central rose guilloche design and "Cartier Paris" inscription, the ref. 2484 features black Roman numerals and blued steel hands that pop against their white backdrop. Beneath the dial is the hand-wound cal. 437MC movement. Beautifully finished yet beneath a solid 18kt gold caseback, the cal. 437MC was crucial in enabling the Tank A Vis to wear so thin on the wrist at just 8mm thick.
A stunning watch that encapsulated the CPCP's goal of showcasing true craftsmanship, the Tank A Vis is an interesting watch within Cartier's heritage and today forms a unique niche within the Tank collection. Blending heritage-focused design with top-tier horology and stunning good looks, the ref. 2484 indeed does have it all.
