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Cartier Tank MC Chronograph
One of my favorite Cartier watches from the past couple of years has been the Tank MC. Introduced in 2013, it is an instant classic, as Cartier found a wonderfully masculine expression for its iconic Tank design. It was just a year ago that I composed a review of that watch:
2014 saw Cartier introduce two new exciting extensions to its men’s watch collection based on its signature manufacture caliber 1904 MC. First out of the block was the Caliber Diver, building on the success of the original Caliber and the Calibre Chronograph. Now rolling into retail channels is the Tank MC Chronograph.
The width and length of the Tank MC Chronograph remain the same as with the base model, at 34.3 x 44.0 mm. The thickness jumps from 9.5 mm to 11.7 mm to accommodate the greater thickness of the 1904-CH MC movement.
The satin finish on the case at 12 and 6 contrasts nicely with the high polish suffices along the sides. The flanks of the case are also satin finished. Like with most Cartier watches, the faceted spinel on the crown is a welcome touch.
It is excellent on the wrist, with the curved upper edge of the case giving it a sleek feel.
All of the classic Cartier hallmarks are present on the dial. The silver dial has a flinqué finish and printed Roman numbers (secret Cartier signature on the VII).
The hands are blued steel.
The depth of the dial due to the chronograph counter sundials is visually interesting, and the symmetry of the dial compared with the original Tank MC due to the date winnow being at 6 o’clock is pleasing to the eye.
The silver dial model comes with a semi-matte black alligator strap with double folding adjustable buckle.
The stainless steel base Tank MC comes in either a silver or black dial, this latter model have white printed Roman numbers. For the Tank MC Chronograph an alternative dial color is gray, with gray semi-matte alligator strap.
The color of the strap and buckle are fantastic, and particularly suited me on the day of the photo, in which I was wearing a gray suit, but the steel hands don’t offer a lot of contrast over the dark dial and I find it hard to read the information on the dial.
The Tank MC Chronograph is also available in a rose gold case with silver dial.
The 1904-CH MC movement is a true manufacture movement and has also been used in the Calibre Chronograph. The Tank MC Chronograph has a sapphire case back to show the caliber:
This self-winding movement has column wheel control for the start, stop, and reset of the chronograph mechanism, and the vertical clutch design so that it can run continuously without negatively effecting the rate results for the watch. The feel of the pushers is satisfying to the touch.
Cartier has created a worthy extension to the Tank MC collection (there is also a skeleton model of the Tank MC in the Fine Watchmaking collection). The retail value is a very reasonable $10,300 in stainless steel. I look forward to reading what others have to say about it as they get a chance to handle it in person.
Bill
Cartier Tank MC Chronograph
Nice review, Bill, and nice watch!
The last two boutiques I went to in London an Paris did not have them
