Fresh off the news of a revived Rolex line-up, Cartier has unveiled their equally appealing collection of watches for 2023. Leading the charge is the latest member of the exclusive Cartier Privé collection, and potentially the most historically significant release from all of Watches and Wonders, the Tank Normale (including a skeleton variant). The watch joins the likes of the Crash, Tank Cintrée, Tonneau, Tank Asymétrique, Cloche, and Tank Chinoise.
Check out more of the best from Watches & Wonders 2023 below:
Best Watch Releases of Watches & Wonders 2023
New Cartier Watches at a Glance
Our list of the new Cartier watches goes like this.
- Cartier Tank Normale
- Cartier Santos Dumont
- Cartier Tank Americane
- Cartier Baignoire
- Cartier Clash LIMITED
- Cartier La Panthere De Cartier
Now we’ve had a look at the new Cartier watches, let’s check out all the features.
Cartier Tank Normale
Diameter: from Ø 32.60mm
Movement Type: Calibre 070, Calibre 9628 MC (skeleton)
Power Reserve: 38 hours, 36 (skeleton)
Material: 18k Yellow gold, Platinum 950/1000
Price: TBA
It seems platinum is a material theme extending across the manufacturer’s collections at Watches and Wonders this year. In the case of the Cartier Tank Normale (available from April), it arrives in precious metals such as platinum, but also all-yellow gold, both of which are available on an alligator strap. Of course, the skeleton variants steal the show (limited to 50 units each) with blue hands, a winding crown cabochon and, on the simple Tank Normale, the railroad track and secret signature.
We think the Tank Normale most closely resembles the original from 1917, with almost identical proportions that house staple features from the Roman numeral dial and the 1917 date inside the VII numeral. Of course, the finish on the case is a wear-worthy satin brush.
In fitting with the allure of the ‘Privé collection’ that’s reserved for serious collectors, only 200 pieces of the simple Tank Normale will be made. Assuming you’re reading this right now, they’re likely already sold out. Still, that’s 150 more than the uber-limited skeleton Cartier Tank Normale, limited to 50 units each. But wait, there’s more! A diamond-set skeleton Cartier Tank Normale will also arrive, and that’s limited to just 20 pieces!
For many serious collectors, the addition of a platinum Tank with matching metal bracelets (only 100 pieces each) will instantly cement this watch as a grail. We’re scared to think where the market places these watches, but if you can get your hands on one, do it.
Check out the Cartier Tank Normale
Cartier Santos Dumont
Diameter: either Ø 43.50mm or Ø 46.60mm
Movement Type: Calibre 430
Power Reserve: 43 hours
Material: Platinum, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Price: TBA
Moving on from the show-stopping lacquered case Cartier Santos Dumont from Watches and Wonders 2022, the Dumont is back with three precious metals to choose from; Platinum (with Jasper), Yellow Gold (with Jade), and Rose Gold (with Dumortierite). All three are offered in the XL size with Roman numerals on the dial that match the aforementioned cabochon on the crown, simply stunning. All of these models will be limited to 200 pieces each.
For the collector with deep pockets, the Santos Dumont will be available with a skeleton movement for the first time. A tribute to the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, for whom Louis Cartier designed the first modern wristwatch in 1904, we’re big fans of the miniaturized (yet functional) oscillating weight that replicates the Demoiselle (lady’s watch).
The colour coordination doesn’t end there, and you’ll be pleased to know that the following watches are not limited. First, a gorgeous (and rather baller) yellow gold number that’s paired with a deep blue dial, sitting alongside a two-tone yellow gold, steel, and grey dial Santos Dumont. Unlike the limited pieces, these are available in the ‘L’ or Large size (43.5 mm x 31.4 mm) vs. (46.6 mm x 33.9 mm).
If money was no object, we’d have the limited Platinum (with Jasper) piece for ourselves alongside the Yellow Gold (with Jade). Baller alert.
Check out the Cartier Santos Dumont
Cartier Tank Américaine
Diameter: Ø 28.00mm (mini), Ø 35.40mm (small), Ø 44.40mm (large).
Movement Type: Calibre 1899 MC, Small and mini use quartz movement.
Power Reserve: TBA
Material: Stainless steel and rose gold, White gold in mini only (2.6 carats of diamonds on case and bracelet), Diamonds on case in mini and small also available.
Price: TBA
Thinner (8.6mm vs. 9.5mm) and incorporating a new 1899 MC movement (in the ‘large’ variant), the new Cartier Tank Américaine is available from September of this year with a few precious metal combinations. It all starts with the all-gold and steel with a leather strap combination, a favourite of ours that keeps it simple and classic. Those who are seeking maximum attention should steer towards the elegant rose gold and diamonds piece that arrives on a leather strap or diamond-paved white and rose gold with a metal bracelet.
Gone is the medium size, but we’re excited to get the large size on the wrist. It’s joined by a mini and small size that’s available on a polished bracelet.
Probably the most approachable watch in the entire new collection, especially in stainless steel, the addition of water resistance (30 meters) is always a nice thing to ease the mind in humid climates.
Check out the Cartier Tank Américaine
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