
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tank Gold Americaine Large (Ref. 1740), 1990s
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- 1990s
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dimensions
- Case 27 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 8286820761783
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8286820761783)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1990s Cartier Tank Gold Americaine Large (Ref. 1740) (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8286820761783), 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. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 27 mm. 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 — Huntington Company
History and Significance The Cartier Tank Américaine was introduced in 1989 as a reinterpretation of the earlier Tank Cintrée, retaining the elegant curvature of the case while adapting it for automatic movements and modern dimensions. The reference 1740 (also known as W2603156) represents the larger version in solid 18k yellow gold, striking a balance between classic Cartier proportions and a contemporary wrist presence. Its guilloché dial, Roman numerals, and blued hands capture the brand’s design language that has defined dress watch elegance for over a century. Powered by an automatic movement, the Tank Américaine blends formality with everyday practicality. The vertical architecture of the case and the curved profile allow it to sit comfortably on the wrist, while the 27mm width gives it a bolder look than many vintage Cartier references. Writer’s Thoughts The larger yellow gold Américaine stands out as one of Cartier’s most wearable precious metal models. It offers the visual charm of the Cintrée’s elongated form but with a sturdier build and automatic convenience. This example’s original strap and solid gold buckle complete the package, making it an exceptional representation of late 20th-century Cartier design. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Américaine Ref. 1740 / W2603156 Year: 1990s Case Material: 18k yellow gold Case Size: 27mm width Dial: Silver guilloché dial with Roman numerals and date at 6 o’clock Crystal: Sapphire crystal Movement: Automatic Strap: Original Cartier leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Original solid 18k gold Cartier buckle Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Sharp with expected surface wear consistent with age Crystal: Excellent condition with no visible damage Dial: Original guilloché dial in excellent condition Hands: Original blued-steel hands, clean and sharp Strap: Original Cartier strap with normal wear Buckle: Original solid gold Cartier buckle in excellent condition .
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
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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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