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Cartier Tank Americaine Automatic (Ref. 2483) 18K YG, 1990s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Cartier Tank Americaine Automatic (Ref. 2483) 18K YG, 1990s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Cartier (maker)
Date
1990s
Country of origin
France
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
CTRTAM2483
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (CTRTAM2483)
Catalogue title (original)
1990s Cartier Tank Americaine Automatic (Ref. 2483) 18K YG (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number CTRTAM2483), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Cartier Tank Americaine was an instant classic when it first debuted in 1989, with a long and curved case design directly inspired by another Cartier watch, the ever-so-significant Tank Cintree. However, where the thinner and more delicate details of the Tank Cintree are considered more elegant and dressy in aesthetic, the broader and thicker dimensions of the Americaine give the watch an aesthetic that is distinctly more sporty in appearance. For this reason, the Tank Americane is perfectly equipped for daily use, and with an incredibly versatile design that perfectly blends the line between dressy and casual. Though the example offered here currently looks excellent on its original solid gold bracelet, we also think this Tank Americaine would look exceptional on a leather strap for a traditional dress watch aesthetic. Stock # CTRTAM2483 Brand Cartier Style Tank Americaine Model 2483 Serial 26XXXXXX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial White Roman "Guilloche" Millimeters 22.5x41 Bracelet Cartier 18K YG 5-Piece Link Hidden-Clasp Bracelet W/ Butterfly Clasp CASE & BRACELET The 18K yellow gold case is believed to remain unpolished and features crisp and defined finishing throughout with honest signs of use present. The original sapphire glass crystal exhibits light signs of use and features some subtle marks from wear. The case retains its original blue sapphire cabochon crown. The case back retains all of its factory markings in deep and crisp condition. The original 18K yellow gold Cartier hidden-clasp bracelet is in excellent condition with only light signs of honest use throughout, the bracelet retains 18 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original and beautifully preserved white guilloche Roman numeral dial is classic and sophisticated. The guilloche texture is a subtle detail that greatly elevates the overall appearance of the dial. There are no notable elements of age on the dial and no damage is present. The original blued hands are in perfect condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, previous service history is unknown.

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Automatic (self-winding) watches

Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.

What to look for

  • A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
  • 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
  • A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.

Dating clues

  • Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
  • Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
  • Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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