Tank Cintrée, NSO, Platinum

Cartier has always been at the forefront of style, its designs both distinct and enduring. The Tank Cintrée’s progressive and functional aesthetic have allowed it to last over a century and become a bastion of watch culture. This custom order NSO Cintrée was the result of a 3 year design project between the Maison and one of its top clients. It features a platinum case, luminous Roman numerals, luminous Breguet hands, black gloss dial, and matching bloodstone cabochon. This specification is a unique combination of elements that both respect and make more functional the classic Cintrée design.  

The Cintrée (French for curved) was born In 1921 when Louis Cartier modified his post WWI influenced Tank design by shaping the case to match the curvature of a wrist. It was the first watch of its kind and the release shocked the market, inspiring awe at the ultra-progressive design and the engineering capability to match it. The Cintrée so successfully balanced audacity and poise that it quickly became the dress watch of choice for a number of prominent figures. Oftentimes daring designs debut loudly, but their allure is mere trend. When paired with purpose, restraint, and grace, as is the case of the Cintrée, that allure has remained evergreen. 

Cartier’s exclusive New Special Order (NSO) program created bespoke watches for their top clients, often resulting in entirely unique configurations. NSO gained significant traction in 2021 until its discontinuation in 2025. This NSO Cintrée finished production in the final year of the program, though the design process took 3 years. The custom project was titled Quo Vadis, Latin for ‘where are you going’, engraved on the caseback, a call to take accountability for one’s future. The 46.3x23 mm case was optioned in platinum; the typical red ruby cabochon Cartier pairs with platinum was modified to black bloodstone, matching the monochrome theme of the piece and paying tribute to several historic Cartier like the Fred Astaire Cintrée. Its gloss black dial features a classic Cintrée pairing of Roman numeral indices with ‘Chemin de fer’ (railway) track. However, the design is made both more functional and bold with a unique choice of luminous numerals and eyelets within its silver Breguet hands. Capping off the functional additions, it features a matching platinum deployant clasp. 

It is exceedingly rare for a design to last over 100 years, but the genius of the Cintrée design is proven through endurance. It is form and function perfectly balanced, both visually stunning and highly comfortable. While this particular Cintrée was the product of a custom project through the NSO program, its design is incredibly intentional and cohesive, a deliberate balance of respect for the history of the Cintrée with a bold, austere, and potentially singular aesthetic.

This NSO Tank Cintrée presents in exceptional condition. Its case shows only signs of very light and occasional wear. The dial is immaculate with lumunous Roman numerals and eyelets in the hands fully intact. Its caseback still features stickers original from the manufacturer. The watch is running well within specification on our timing equipment. It comes with its full set including original box and papers, and original platinum deployant clasp (Will ship 1 week after watch)

This watch is modelled on an average sized 6.8 inch wrist.