The remainder of our selections feature Cartier’s own manufacture movements. If you seek one of these, look no further than Cartier’s recently released Tank MC. The “MC” stands for Manufacture Cartier, signifying the movement’s origins. Dating to 1917, the Tank design has certainly achieved icon status. Though it follows in a time-honored line, the Tank MC is an all-new design with modern dimensions. At 44 x 34 x 9.5 mm with slightly curved lugs, the Tank MC hits the Goldilocks “just right” zone on the wrist, and it plays well with dress-shirt cuffs.
The silvered flinqué dial is exquisitely executed, and behind it you will find the in-house 1904-PS MC movement. The “1904” represents the year Louis Cartier created the Santos watch, described above, and “PS” signifies petite secondes. The 1904 MC calibers are constructed with twin mainspring barrels running in series to deliver more consistent torque over the 48-hour power reserve. The rotor is mounted on ceramic ball bearings, and it winds very efficiently in both directions. The movement is visible through a sapphire display back.
The Tank MC in stainless steel on an alligator strap with a deployant buckle is priced at $7,000.
