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. 2485D. Inspired by the historical Cartier Tank Etanche, the Tank A Vis boasts the same rectangular shape the collection is known for but with a twist; it features a separate H-shaped bezel that is attached with screws in each corner that sit on top of the Tank A Vis’ rectangular 27mm x 31mm platinum case that then gently rolls over the wrist. Featuring an elaborately decorated white gold dial, the Tank A Vis lives up to the CPCP’s deserved status as one of Cartier’s finer creations. With its elegant dial and wonderfully luxurious construction, the Tank A Vis played its role in signifying Cartier’s return to watchmaking form with a watch that emphasised their iconic design while also showcasing their watchmaking prowess. Powered by an ultra-thin manual-wind movement from Piaget, the cal. 437MC the entire timepiece is a thoughtfully executed piece of horology in just about every regard.

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.