Throughout their history, Cartier has developed a powerful history as a revered watchmaker. While their reputation waned in the 80s and 90s due to producing jewelry-oriented quartz timepieces, they made a conscious effort to turn things around in 1998 by launching the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, or CPCP, at SIHH to demonstrate their horological prowess. By partnering with THA Èbauche, a collaborative movement manufacture made up of Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet (founder of De Bethune), and François-Paul Journe, Cartier began to challenge the horological heavyweights with truly spectacular timepieces, much like this Tank A Vis ref. 2551. Featuring the Tank’s signature rectangular construction in 18k yellow gold, a stunningly finished manual-wind movement, and an elaborately decorated silver dual time dial, the Tank A Vis ref. 2551 lives up to the CPCP’s deserved status as one of Cartier’s finer creations. With its elegant dial and wonderfully luxurious precious metal construction, the Tank A Vis signified Cartier’s return to watchmaking form with a watch that emphasized their iconic design while also showcasing their watchmaking prowess. With its two displays, silver CPCP rosette engraved dial, and enlarged 28mm x 40mm case, the Tank A Vis is a wonderfully wearable timepiece that still retains Cartier's elegant design language while exercising some horological muscles in a rather elegant manner.

A spectacular watch that showcases Cartier's spirited return to the horological heavyweight rankings, the Tank À Vis played an important role within the CPCP and, as such is beloved by collectors and hobbyists alike.