Cartier CPCP Tank à Vis Dual Time in White Gold

Cartier are something of a master at evolving variations on a theme, all equally elegant. However, some are more equal than others. The CPCP era is, if not the most classic, Cartier’s most sincere attempt to flatter enthusiasts of traditional watchmaking. This Tank à Vis hails from that time, but is not the Tank you know. It is a nod toward the 1931 Tank Étanche (meaning waterproof), taken to a modern extreme through careful watchmaking, precious metal, and complication.

The Tank à Vis keeps the more rectilinear case proportion of the Tank Louis, executed at a slightly larger and more blocky 28x32mm. Here, however, we see the addition of four diminutive screws at the corners. These are a nod to the ingenious Étanche design of 1931, which was a very early attempt at waterproofing for Pasha de Marrakesh, who wanted a Cartier he could swim with frequently. That watch had a gold inner case with a compressed rubber spacer. The solution on this modern interpretation was a screw-compression crystal surround.

The Tank à Vis case was available during CPCP as a time-only, wandering hours, and this dual-time (which is often considered the most desirable of the trio by market value). The dual time complication is executed in a unique manner, with two dials stacked together on their edge. The upper third gets 9-3 and the lower third marks 3-9. Unlike the dual time Cintreé, both time zones are powered by the same calibre 9901MC movement, with both set through a single crown. Despite the complication, the overall case profile measures just 2mm low. If not the most classic Tank, it is certainly one of the most interesting.

This example has light surface wear with a few visible hairlines across its highly polished bezel section. Moderate wear overall. The dial and handset are perfect. It comes with a full set and unsigned certificate from a well-regarded London retailer.

Find this Tank à Vis Dual Time here from A Collected Man for 35000 GBP.