Tank Americaine XL

Cartier Tank Américaine XL Ref. 1740

Introduced in 1989, the Tank Américaine represents one of Cartier’s most distinctive interpretations of the Tank. Drawing inspiration from the elongated architecture of the Tank Cintrée, it introduced a more substantial presence while retaining the unmistakable geometric language of Cartier’s most enduring design.

This example, reference 1740, dates to the mid-to-late 1990s and is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Its characteristic curved rectangular case measures approximately 45 × 26.5 mm, including the lugs, giving the watch a strong presence on the wrist while maintaining the elongated proportions that define the Américaine. 

The silvered dial is finely flinqué, framed by the characteristic black Roman numerals and inner railway minute track. The blued steel hands, central seconds and date aperture at 6 o’clock create the balanced, highly recognizable configuration of the early Tank Américaine. As customary with Cartier, the signature is discreetly incorporated into the VII numeral.

The curved case follows the wrist with a fluid profile, while the octagonal crown is set with Cartier’s characteristic blue cabochon. The caseback is secured by eight screws, another distinctive detail of the model. 

Inside is Cartier’s automatic calibre 120, a 20-jewel movement with central seconds and date indication, used extensively in the Tank Américaine 1740. 

The watch is accompanied by its original Cartier leather strap and original 18k yellow-gold Cartier buckle, together with a newly made artisanal leather strap, allowing the watch to be worn either in its original Cartier configuration or with the newly crafted alternative.

A particularly elegant example of Cartier’s 1990s design language, the Tank Américaine 1740 retains the formal vocabulary of the original Tank while introducing the greater scale, curved architecture and mechanical practicality that made the Américaine one of Cartier’s defining modern Tank references.

Specifications

Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Américaine XL
Reference: 1740
Serial number: 253054CD
Year: Mid-to-late 1990s
Case: 18k yellow gold
Case dimensions: approx. 45 × 26.5 mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Dial: Silvered flinqué, black Roman numerals, railway minute track
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Movement: Automatic Cartier calibre 120, 20 jewels
Crown: Blue cabochon
Strap: Original Cartier leather strap + new artisanal leather strap
Buckle: Original Cartier 18k yellow-gold buckle
Caseback: Secured by eight screws