Hand-on with the new Cartier Tank MC – in-house movement and entry level (with live photos plus pricing)

Cartier recently unveiled the Tank MC, equipped with the in-house 1904 MC movement. Larger and more masculine than earlier versions of this iconic model, the Tank MC is also an accessibly entry into Cartier's in-house movements.

Over the nearly 100 years it has been in existence the Cartier Tank has been available in a multitude of forms. But regardless of style each has retained the classic Tank shape, arguably the most recognisable rectangular watch ever. The Tank MC – the first Tank wristwatch designed expressly for men – is the newest addition to this storied line of timepieces.

The Tank MC is actually an evolution of the Tank Americaine, itself descended from the Tank Louis Cartier. At 34.3 mm wide and 44 mm long, the Tank MC is one of the widest Tank wristwatches ever designed. And unlike the typical, elongated Tank watch, the Tank MC is slightly squarish in shape. But it is not overly big or thick, and with a height of 9.5 mm, maintains an elegant profile on the wrist.

Equipped with the 1904 MC-PS movement – PS means “petite seconde“, or small seconds – the Tank MC is the first entry level Tank watch with an in-house movement. This is derived from the 1904 MC first used in the Calibre de Cartier, with “MC” short for “Manufacture Cartier“.

The 1904 MC-PS can be examined through the display back and offers no surprises. It is attractively and appropriately finished, but not lavishly so. A more elaborately decorated movement would be welcome, but at this price segment this level of finishing is the median.

With a twin barrels for optimal torque, and an efficient “Magic Lever” winding mechanism, the 1904 MC-PS is a reliable calibre designed to be a workhorse suitable for additional complications.

Exploded view of the 1904 MC, with the twin barrels in blue and Magic Lever in red

Though this is a new version of the Tank, it is classic Cartier in style. The dial is guilloche, with Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands, and the crown is of course topped with a blue sapphire.

Look closely at the “VII” and the Cartier secret signature reveals itself in the “V”. Originally intended to deter counterfeits, Cartier’s secret signature is almost always in “VII”, though in some models it is integrated into “X” if “VII” is missing.

That being said, the date and subsidiary seconds are distinctly modern elements, in fact I believe this is the first Tank wristwatch ever to have a sub-seconds. Recessed slightly and framed by a ring, the seconds sub-dial is slightly incongruous in terms of its contemporary styling and font.

While date windows typically mar excellent designs, in this case the date is fairly well integrated; notably for the dark coloured dials the date disc is in same colour as the dial.

The case is finished like most Tank watches – the tops of the brancards are mirror polished while the sides are brushed. And the portion in between the lugs is brushed as well. Though finished to a high standard, the case is not exceptionally complex in style or construction.

The Tank MC is available in rose gold or steel. Both versions are available with the classic silver dial and blued steel hands.

Additionally, the rose gold is available with a chocolate dial and pink-hued numerals. This is the most feminine of the range in my opinion.

And the steel is also available in black with white numerals, which is the sportiest version. The modern elements of the dial, namely the sub-seconds and date, work best here; they fit in perfectly.

Cartier has done a good job in refreshing what is an amazingly long lived design. More importantly, the quintessential Tank aesthetic – which is largely perceived as a ladies’ watch – has been retained while making the watch more masculine.

In Singapore, the steel model retails for reasonable S$8400 (~US$6600), and the rose gold version is S$26,500 (~US$20,900). Both prices include 7% tax.

New: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine (with specs and price)

Vacheron Constantin has just announced the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine, a limited edition tourbillon in platinum with platinum dial, buckle and strap stitching.

The Collection Excellence Platine is a series of limited edition Vacheron Constantin watches, each with a platinum case, dial, buckle, and even platinum thread for the strap. This year the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon, first launched in 2011, joins the Collection Excellence Platine. A limited edition of 50 pieces, the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine has a 42 mm case in 95% platinum alloy, hence the “PT950” hallmark found on platinum cases. The typical gold alloy used in watch cases, which is 18k, is 75% gold and stamped “Au750”.

Also in .950 platinum is the dial, which is sandblasted and stamped with the “PT950” hallmark in between four and five o’clock.

The discreet PT950 hallmark on the dial

And the folding buckle is also in platinum, with the alligator strap stitched with thread woven from silk and platinum. The movement is the cal. 2260, a hand-wound tourbillon with four barrels and two weeks of power reserve. Like all Vacheron Constantin mechanical movements it has the Geneva Seal, and is deliciously well finished.