{"product_id":"cartier-prive-tank-chinoise-lacquered-skeleton-yellow-gold","title":"Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Lacquered Skeleton Yellow Gold","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFew watchmakers have demonstrated the same ability as Cartier to draw inspiration from art, architecture and decorative design. Throughout its history, the brand has produced some of the most recognisable watch cases in horology, often taking inspiration from objects and artistic forms far removed from traditional watchmaking. Among these creations is the Tank Chinoise, one of the more unusual interpretations of the original Tank design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst introduced in 1922, the Tank Chinoise was inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, particularly the horizontal beams and geometric forms found in Chinese temple entrances. Unlike the original Tank Louis Cartier, which featured relatively slender vertical brancards, the Chinoise incorporated prominent horizontal bars across the top and bottom of the case. This gave the watch a distinctive appearance while retaining the rectangular proportions that made the Tank so recognisable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 2022, Cartier revisited the Tank Chinoise as part of its prestigious Cartier Privé collection, marking the centenary of the original design. Established to reinterpret some of the brand's most important historical creations, Cartier Privé has produced modern versions of watches such as the Crash, Tonneau, Tank Asymétrique and Cloche. The Tank Chinoise was the sixth collection in the series, featuring both traditional time-only models and more elaborate skeletonised interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHere, we have the reference WHTA0016, an extraordinary skeletonised interpretation of the Tank Chinoise in 18-carat rose gold, featuring black and burgundy lacquer decoration. Produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces, this particular configuration is among the most elaborate designs from the 2022 collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMeasuring approximately 39.5mm by 29.2mm, the case retains the characteristic design of the original Tank Chinoise, with its prominent horizontal bars and rectangular profile. However, the addition of black lacquer across the upper and lower bars creates a striking contrast against the brushed and polished rose gold surfaces. The combination of different materials and finishes further emphasises the distinctive proportions of the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePowering the watch is Cartier's manually wound calibre 9627 MC, developed specifically for the skeletonised Tank Chinoise. The movement is particularly interesting because its bridges form an integral part of the dial design, combining mechanical functionality with decorative craftsmanship. Rather than concealing the movement beneath a conventional dial, Cartier has skeletonised its construction to create an elaborate geometric composition inspired by traditional Chinese decorative motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFour angular, maze-like structures surround a central cross, with alternating black and burgundy lacquer applied directly to the movement's bridges. The burgundy cross is particularly distinctive, dividing the dial into four sections while providing a strong visual focal point. Beneath these decorative structures, the mechanical components remain visible, introducing considerable depth to the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe openworked construction is complemented by slender rose gold hands, while the Cartier signature is discreetly positioned within the horizontal section of the central cross. Despite the complexity of the skeletonised movement, the overall composition remains remarkably balanced. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI've always appreciated Cartier's ability to produce watches that look unlike anything else, and this Tank Chinoise is a wonderful example of that. What I particularly love is the combination of burgundy lacquer, black detailing and rose gold, which works beautifully with the unusual skeletonised dial. There is a lot going on visually, yet somehow the entire design comes together remarkably well. To me, this is exactly what makes Cartier so special. The brand is willing to experiment with unusual shapes, colours and designs, while still producing something that is unmistakably Cartier. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith only 100 examples produced, this is a rare and particularly special interpretation of one of Cartier's most distinctive historical designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"2023","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44609929019479,"sku":null,"price":77500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1872\/9369\/files\/Cartier-Prive-Tank-Chinoise-Skeleton-Lacquered-YG-WHTA0016-Red_Black_0094_Layer-99.png?v=1793754547","url":"https:\/\/www.ssongwatches.com\/products\/cartier-prive-tank-chinoise-lacquered-skeleton-yellow-gold","provider":"S.Song Watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}