is responsible for some of the most recognizable and successful wristwatches in the history of modern horology. The definitive expert on watch design, the French maison has always been a leader in challenging conventional approaches to watchmaking while pioneering new styling as a fixture in the broader fashion world.
Few watches have played a larger role in solidifying this brand identity than the Tank. Undoubtedly the most iconic watch in Cartier’s history and conceived based on a simple idea, it’s evolved to take myriad forms over the years, with over a dozen sub-designs that each has its own identity and presence. After the release of the Tank, the watch space was changed forever. Introduced in 1917 based on the conception of Louis Cartier, the great grandson of Cartier’s founder, the Tank took inspiration from a French military tank from the First World War— the Renault FT-17. The look of the Tank was striking and revolutionary— rectangular and unconventional for the period, the Tank was also one of the earliest wrist watches to be popularly accepted by the broader fashion space.
After 1917, Cartier saw a surge in interest in its unique watches, and more and more Cartier Tank models were born, building on the underlying design philosophy that made the Tank an initial success in the 1910s. The Tank Cintrée was introduced in 1921, the Louis and Chinoise in 1922, the Basculante in 1933, the Asymetrique in 1936, and so on.
When Cartier first presented the Asymétrique in 1936 — the last Tank released in Louis Cartier’s lifetime — it was not intended as a Tank model at all, but rather a standalone timepiece referred to as the Parallelogram. (The goal was to target the driver’s market with an off-kilter dial, much like the original Vacheron Constantin Americain from 1921.) Over time, however, with the ever increasing success of the Tank collection, the Parallelogram was later rebranded as the Tank Asymétrique in 1996, making for one of the funkiest models in the generally traditional collection.
This Asymétrique, Reference 2488, dates to 1996 and features a beautiful guilloché dial with printed Arabic numerals. The 18K yellow gold case measures 34mm x 23mm, but wears a bit larger as a result of its skewed case. Released as part of a limited edition of just 300 pieces, this piece came at the very start of the production of the model line, making it particularly special and collectable.
As effortlessly comfortable as it is elegant, this piece is appropriate for virtually any wrist.
If you're Cartier-curious but the Tank Louis or the Santos don't speak to you, the Tank Asymétrique might just be up your alley!