Introduction
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, the Tank Americaine ref. 2489 was debuted as a rather luxurious variant of the iconic member of the Tank family. 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 large white diamonds. Offered on an 18kt white gold bracelet that caps off what is a wonderfully lavish timepiece, this ref. 2489 commands an impressive wrist presence indeed.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$6,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
19mm x 35mm
Model
Tank Americaine
Movement
Quartz
Reference
2489 / WB7073L1
Bracelet
18kt white gold bracelet
Year
Circa 2000s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt white gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
With all of Cartier's signature design elements, the ref. 2489's silver dial reminds its wearer of Cartier's iconic dial design with its railroad-style minute track, exploding Roman numerals, and blued steel hands.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Made of 18kt white gold, fitted on an 18kt white gold bracelet, and flanked by a row of white diamonds along both of its brancards and across the top and bottom of its dial, the ref. 2489's case is fittingly luxurious for a Cartier.
THE PROFILE
With its distinctive banana-shaped case, the Tank Americaine has a distinctive presence on the wrist that adds to its iconic aesthetic as it effortlessly wraps around its wearer's wrist.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The white gold case shows light surface scratches, with a ding visible on the bezel between one and two o’clock. All diamonds and settings remain in excellent condition. The case back retains crisp engravings and hallmarks. The cabochon-topped winding crown shows some light surface scratches. The dial shows some light discoloration around the edges, while the blued hands are very clean. The crystal has marks visible along the surface and edges. It is fitted with a white gold bracelet showing light surface marks from wear. The bracelet is fitted with 19 links, 5 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 6½” wrist.
Our Perspective
An exceedingly luxurious variant of the Tank Americaine, the ref. 2489 packs an impressive amount of Cartier talents as a jeweller into one watch.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
