The Cartier Tank Americaine is quite possibly the least understood model in Cartier's lineup.

Introduced in 1989 under Richemeont group ownership, the Tank Americaine is in many ways a modern update to the classic Cintree model. With an elongated case featuring a gently curved case back, the Americaine line was designed from the start to be a larger watch to suit American tastes. Initially launched exclusively with quartz movements, the line has expanded in the past decades to include a variety of mechanical variants, as well as sizes, casing materials, and complications that put the Americaine all over the map in terms of value - hence the broad confusion amongst collectors, who don't know where to 'put' the model in the lineup from low to high.

This particular example, a Reference 2505, features a 26mm x 45mm solid 18k rose gold case with a curved sapphire crystal, a silver guilloche dial with printed Roman indices and a matching blued-steel 'sword' handset, and Cartier's ubiquitous sapphire cabochon crown.

As effortlessly comfortable as it is elegant, this piece is appropriate for virtually any wrist.

If you're Cartier-curious but the Tank Louis or the Santos don't speak to you, the Tank Americaine might just be the watch for you!