In 1917, Louis Cartier introduced the Tank- which has arguably become the brand's most iconic model. It is storied that the first prototype Tank was presented to the US General John Pershing a year later. Since then, Cartier has created many versions of the Tank design, including but not limited to, the Tank Louis, Tank Cintrée, and Tank Normale. The Tank Americaine was introduced in 1989 and immediately became a classic. Inspired by the lines of the Tank Cintrée, the Americaine features a slightly bolder and more athletic profile with an elongated case that curves rather dramatically with the curve of the wrist. Launched in 2003 to celebrate iconic Swiss watch retailer Wempe’s 125th anniversary, the Tank Americaine ref. 2489 was debuted as a limited edition offering of just 75 pieces. Boasting an 18kt white gold construction with a diamond-set cabochon in its winding crown, this ref. 2489 is unapologetically exuberant with its diamond-set bezel featuring a row of white diamonds that are then flanked by a row of grey diamonds. Topped off with a silver dial that uses the ‘E’ in Wempe as its 3 numeral, this ref. 2489 is a rather unique celebration of one of watchmaking’s most storied retailers, as referenced by its individually numbered commemorative caseback.

An extremely rare variant of an iconic model that succesfully manages to pay homage to one of watchmaking's most important retailers, this ref. 2489 is not only stunning, but historically important too.