Cartier is a brand that embodies the slightly different French way of doing things. In fact, they’ve been making eccentric watches for so long that they may have even played a role in creating this widely known cliché. In the early 20th century, they broke away from the classic paradigm of watchmaking and explored themes of shape, perspective and art that have resulted in some of their most iconic historical creations.
In 2015, Cartier decided to honor these anachronistic creations with its Privé program. We’ve had the Dali-esque Collision, the ergonomically elegant Tank Cintrée, the well-proportioned Tonneau and now the Asymétrique.
Originally launched in 1937, the Asymétrique has been revisited several times over the years, but the latest version revives the iconic three-lug version. The numerals are rotated 30 degrees and housed in a “Parallélogramme” shaped case, creating not only a striking and beautiful piece, but also a watch that’s easy to read at a glance and perfect for driving.
There will be two iterations for 2020 that follow a similar format to previous Privé releases, the standard Tank Asymétrique and the Tank Asymétrique Skeleton.
The solid dial versions are arguably the sleeker of 2020 editions, coming in a slim 6.38mm and limited to 100 pieces each. Like previous Privé releases, they are only available in precious metal cases, with the Tank Asymétrique available in rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum, paired with a grey, champagne, or silver guilloché dial, respectively. The slender dimensions are matched by Cartier’s in-house 1917 MC manual-winding movement, with a 38-hour power reserve. It’s got Cartier’s signature cabochon gemstones, of course.
The skeletonized versions will also be available in three case styles, each limited to 100 pieces, with a specially crafted skeletonized 9623 MC movement in rose gold, platinum, and diamond-set platinum. By removing the dial, Cartier has created a very architectural piece, but loses some of the refinement of the solid dial version. Only the 12 and 6 Arabic numerals are visible, with the movement bridges doubling as indexes to read the time.
Although the length and width remain the same, it is slightly thicker than its non-skeletonized counterpart at 7.82mm. Unfortunately, these will probably be sold out by the time this article is published. Hopefully Cartier will start releasing non-limited steel models for us mere mortals.
That’s unlikely.
Price and specifications:
Model name: Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique Models: WGTA0042 (platinum), WGTA0043 (rose gold), WGTA0044 (yellow gold)
Case/dial: 47.15mm x 26.2mm x 6.38mm, platinum, rose gold, yellow gold
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Calibre 1917 MC, manual winding
Functions: Hours, minutes
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours
Strap: Alligator leather
Price: CHF 30,800 (platinum), CHF 27,200 (pink and yellow gold), limited to 100 pieces of each material
Model name: Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique Skeleton models
: WHTA0011 (pink gold), WHTA0012 (platinum), HPI01370 (platinum with diamonds)
Case/dial: 47.15 mm x 26.2 mm x 7.82 mm, platinum, rose gold
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: 9623 MC calibre, manual winding
Functions: Hours, minutes
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours
Strap: Alligator leather
Price: 60,500 CHF (pink gold); 68,500 CHF (platinum), 96,000 CHF (diamond set), limited to 100 pieces per material
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