This yellow gold Tank à Vis* was produced as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, which aimed to bring back some of the jeweller's most recognisable designs, combined with high quality manual-winding movements. Inspired by a waterproof watch from 1931, it features a distinctive yet classic design, with an added dual time complication.

As a series of mechanical watches based on historic Cartier designs, the Collection Privée Cartier Paris - CPCP for short - showed collectors what Cartier could produce at a time when the brand was more known for their quartz-based timepieces. Most models in the CPCP were available between 1998 and 2008 in very limited numbers using mechanical movements from external suppliers, until the Fine Watchmaking Collection was introduced using movements developed in-house.

All the CPCP watches feature small, distinctive details, intended to set them apart. All bar the Cintrée are signed “Cartier Paris” on the dial, a subtle nod to the brand’s vintage pieces. They also display a central rose motif just beneath the hands, which radiates into a classic guilloché pattern. Even the subtle engravings on the caseback are reminiscent of what they used to do in the early 20th century. As for the manual-winding movements, these were finished in-house by Cartier, with their interlaced “double C” pattern appearing across the collection and which can be seen through the sapphire caseback.

The Tank à Vis was inspired by the Tank Etanche, which was developed in 1931 and distinguished by a screw-down, waterproof case. The later Tank à Vis design features the same bezel construction as its vintage inspiration, with four visible screws added to each corner of the case.

Rather interestingly, the Tank à Vis represents Cartier’s foray into unusual complications during the CPCP period, and was available in time-only, dual-time, and wandering hours versions. With this dual-time version, the dials are powered by the same movement and set through a single crown.

This Cartier Tank à Vis reference 2551 is powered by the calibre 9901MC, a movement which is based on a Piaget ébauche. Piaget helped develop a range of calibres for the Collection Privée Cartier Collection, drawing on their mechanical expertise, notably in the field of ultra-thin movements. The manual winding nickel lever movement features 18 jewels and approximately 40 hours of power reserve.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Cartier Tank à Vis Dual Time will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Cartier Tank à Vis Dual-Time is in good condition overall. Superficial marks are found throughout the case and lugs consistent with wear over time. The case and bezel show light signs of oxidation, likely unpolished.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.