Tank Monopoussoir CPCP | Ref. 2846 | Rose Gold

Part of the well-loved Collection Privée Cartier Paris, this Tank Monopoussoir is a piece with an intriguing combination of geometrical shapes. It is powered by the calibre 045MC, a creation of THA ébauche, a movement manufacture that was co-founded by F.P. Journe and played a pivotal role in the early careers of independent watchmakers Denis Flageollet and Vianney Halter.

As a series of mechanical watches based on historic Cartier designs, the Collection Privée Cartier Paris - CPCP for short - showed collectors what Cartier could produce at a time when the brand was more known for their quartz-based timepieces. Most models in the CPCP were available between 1998 and 2008 in very limited numbers using mechanical movements from external suppliers, until the Fine Watchmaking Collection was introduced using movements developed in-house.

All the CPCP watches feature small, distinctive details, intended to set them apart. All bar the Cintrée are signed “Cartier Paris” on the dial, a subtle nod to the brand’s vintage pieces. They also display a central rose motif just beneath the hands, which radiates into a classic guilloché pattern. Even the subtle engravings on the caseback are reminiscent of what they used to do in the early 20th century. As for the manual-winding movements, these were finished in-house by Cartier, with their interlaced “double C” pattern appearing across the collection.

The dial on this Cartier Tank Monopoussoir reference 2846 is particularly faithful to the original version of the watch, staying true to the configuration of a circular dial housed within a square case. The tank case that houses this dial is much rarer than any of the Tortue cases, which possess a similar dial. Architecturally, the construction of the case is particularly impressive, displaying the French jeweller’s skill in assembling impressive designs. Thanks to the short lugs on the piece, it wears extremely comfortably on the wrist.

Only 100 pieces of the Tank Monopoussoir were made in rose gold, which is confirmed by the engraving on the caseback of the watch. Further to this, the watch is in virtually "new old stock" condition, having only ever been worn a handful of times by the original owner. Within the watch, the Calibre 045MC makes use of a lever escapement. With a clutch system, the motion of the second wheel to the chronograph’s central wheel is activated by a double swivel pin, removing the "jolt" of the second hand which often occurs in chronographs operated by a lateral clutch. The resulting operation allows the hand to smoothly glide across the dial.

Closer look

This Cartier CPCP Tank Monopoussoir is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks consistent with light wear over time. The most notable imperfections can be found on the edges of the case, with small surface scratches on the polished sides. There are also some small scratches on the brushed surface of the caseback, most noticeably underneath the words “water resistant”. These are on the very surface of the material. The engravings and hallmarks on the caseback are crisply defined. There are two small dings on the case, seen beside the lower right hand screw on the caseback and lower right hand lug. The case screw heads are all matching in terms of colour and appear unblemished. The watch also includes the original screw attachments for the strap, as well as the original Cartier strap and rose gold Cartier deployant clasp.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.