Cartier has long been one of the most celebrated brands at Watches & Wonders, and for good reason. The Maison’s deep-rooted history in horology, combined with its unparalleled expertise in fine jewellery craftsmanship, ensures that each year’s releases capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Among the most highly anticipated unveilings is always the latest addition to the Cartier Privé collection, which pays homage to some of the brand’s most iconic historic designs. For 2025, Cartier has brought back a true gem from its archives—the Cartier Tank à Guichets.
Cartier Tank à Guichets
A fascinating fusion of Art Deco aesthetics and avant-garde watchmaking, the Tank à Guichets originally debuted in 1928 as one of the earliest examples of a mechanical digital watch. Unlike traditional Tank models, which are renowned for their Roman numerals and railway track minutes, the Tank à Guichets replaces a conventional dial with a solid metal facade, featuring only two apertures—one for the jumping hour and another for the dragging minutes. This ingenious layout allows for an elegant yet highly functional display of time, with a seamless transition between hour changes.
The 2025 revival of the Tank à Guichets follows in the footsteps of previous Privé reissues, including the Tonneau, the Normale, and the Tortue, all of which have stayed true to their heritage while incorporating subtle modern refinements. This year’s release features four variations, all housed in a sleek 37.6mm by 24.8mm case with a slim 6mm profile. Available in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, these three classic interpretations remain faithful to the original 1928 design, with a vertical alignment of the time display. The platinum version, with its deep historical roots, is a particularly striking tribute to the early Tank à Guichets models worn by jazz legend Duke Ellington and other icons of the era.
However, Cartier has also introduced a contemporary twist with a limited-edition variant that reimagines the traditional layout. This exclusive model, limited to just 200 pieces, rotates the display 90 degrees, offering a fresh geometric reinterpretation that challenges the norms of digital timekeeping. This innovation, combined with Cartier’s meticulous finishing, ensures that the Tank à Guichets remains both a technical and artistic marvel.
Powering these timepieces is the manually wound 9755 MC movement, a caliber designed specifically for the Tank à Guichets. It features a precise jumping hour complication and a dragging minutes display, seamlessly integrating modern horological advancements while staying true to the spirit of the original design. Completing the look, each model is paired with a sophisticated alligator leather strap, available in black, green, grey, or burgundy, enhancing the refined aesthetic of the collection.
With its latest Privé release, Cartier once again proves why it remains a powerhouse in both watchmaking and design. The return of the Tank à Guichets is not just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a statement of enduring elegance and innovation. Whether you prefer the classic vertical layout or the bold new horizontal reinterpretation, this release is sure to be one of the standout moments of Watches & Wonders 2025.
