New: The Cartier Tank Americaine European Limited Edition

March 24, 2015

The Tank Americaine is easily one of my favorite modern Cartier wristwatches. The long, curved case wears beautifully and provides ample space for an attractive dial. The serial-production watches are available in three sizes, along with a variety of movements and materials. Occasionally, the watch acts as a platform for a special release. Today s new piece falls under that category as a European LE.Despite a relatively quiet watch market, Cartier continues to buck the trend. The brand is hot, and based on a recent visit to an authorized dealer, it s difficult to obtain certain pieces. The new Tank Americaine European Limited Edition will probably be nearly impossible to find, but it s worth a look anyhow. This watch is a beauty.The Cartier Tank Americaine European Limited EditionOne look at the new Tank Americaine European Limited Edition will have avid collectors and fans digging through their collective memory banks. In 2023, Cartier launched a 170-piece limited-edition Tank Louis for the European market with a similar dial. The watch proved successful, so the brand has returned for a sequel. For starters, the watch comes solely as the large model with a 44.4mm length, a 24.4mm width, and a lithe 8.6mm thickness throughout the curved case. This 950 platinum housing has a water resistance rating of 3 ATM. Granted, the blue alligator strap with platinum push-button folding clasp wouldn t appreciate submersion.A lovely Art Deco dialI m always a fan of Cartier pieces with ornate Art Deco dials, and this Tank Americaine is no exception. Light and dark blue patterns loosely define the hours and are segmented by an internal rectangle. Silver printed Roman numerals match the case and polished silver hands. For contrast, the watch has a ruby cabochon on the end of the crown instead of the typical sapphire.The automatic 1899 MC insideLike other large Tank Americaine watches, the European Limited Edition uses the self-winding 1899 MC. This thin movement has a frequency of 28,800vph and a power reserve of 36 hours. If I have one minor complaint about this watch, it s that I d love to see it with a manual-winding caliber.Availability, pricing, and final thoughtsCartier is producing just 120 of the new Tank Americaine and, sadly, it s exclusive to the European market. Regarding general availability, the watch isn t on the official Cartier website yet, and perhaps it will never be! Limited editions from the brand tend to move quickly and are reserved for longtime customers. The price is estimated at $26,500, which is roughly $1,000 more than the serial model. That feels like an entirely reasonable increase. I understand that most customers want the traditional Cartier dial, but I d opt for this more special design. It s just a shame that it s only available in one market.Watch specifications Brand Cartier Model Tank Americaine European Limited EditionReference WGTA0367Dial Laser-engraved with blue PVD coatingCase Material 950 platinumCase Dimensions 24.4mm (diameter) 44.4mm (total length) 8.6mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back Platinum, attached with screws Movement Cartier 1899 MC: automatic winding, 28,800vph frequency, 36-hour power reserveWater Resistance 3 ATMStrap Blue alligator leather with folding claspFunctions Time only (hours, minutes)Price $26,500Warranty Eight years (extended)Special Note(s) Limited edition of 120 pieces, available only in Europe