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Cartier Tank Américaine Moonphase 1207 – Yellow Gold White Roman Dial

Details

Everything is bigger in Texas

The Tank Américaine is a study in Cartier’s ability to evolve its most sacred silhouette. Inspired by the original Tank Cintrée of the 1920s, the Américaine stretches the classic proportions into a more powerful, curved profile that follows the natural arc of the wrist. This reference 819901 is a rare piece that demands more wrist real estate than a traditional Tank, offering a commanding presence that manages to remain entirely elegant.

A celestial complication

While the Tank is historically a "time-only" design, this configuration introduces a sub-dial moonphase and date at the 6 o'clock position. It’s a complication that adds significant horological weight without disrupting the legendary balance of the Roman numeral layout. The dial has aged with an incredibly subtle cream-toned patina, softening the transition between the vibrant 18k gold case and the blued-steel sword hands. It's a sophisticated, technical layout that was produced in limited numbers.

Well preserved condition

This Américaine is in good overall condition. The 18k yellow gold case retains its sharp, curved geometry and deep hallmarks, showing only the light surface wear expected of a vintage precious metal piece. The dial is remarkably well-preserved, with the moonphase wheel and date markers remaining crisp and vibrant. Mechanically, the quartz movement is running strong after passing our test bench. The watch comes fitted on a fresh leather strap and, crucially, retains its original 18k yellow gold Cartier buckle.

The Tank that will get a ton of questions

The Américaine with a moonphase is a "deep cut" in the Cartier archive. It carries the weight and prestige of a solid gold Cartier but offers a visual complexity that keeps it interesting every time you look down. It's rare, it is intentional, and it represents a singular opportunity to own one of the most expressive shapes in the Tank lineage.

 

We offer bracelet extension and cutting by our professional in-house jewelers. Extra links or sizing for smaller wrists are available upon request.

Key Specs

Reference: M1207

Model: American Tank Moonphase

Year: Late 1980s – Early 1990s

Movement: Quartz

Case Size: 23.5 × 41mm

Bezel: 18K yellow gold integrated

Bracelet: Leather strap with original 18K Cartier buckle

Dial: White Roman with moonphase (slight cream patina)

Wrist Size: Fits approximately 6 inches

SKU: 427

History

Louis Cartier designed the Tank in 1917, inspired by the aerial view of a Renault FT tank on the Western Front — its parallel "rails" mimicking the tracks, its rectangular body echoing the vehicle's profile. The watch was introduced in 1919 and immediately claimed its place as one of the most significant case designs in watchmaking history.

The Tank has never gone out of production, and its list of admirers reads like a century of cultural history: Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, Princess Diana, Yves Saint Laurent. It is the watch of the intelligentsia, the creative, the quietly powerful.

The Tank Must — introduced in the 1970s in vermeil (gold-plated silver) — democratized the design, bringing the silhouette to a new generation. The Tank Louis Cartier in 18-karat gold represents the elevated end. The Tank Solo in stainless steel is the accessible entry point. All three carry the same essential idea: that a rectangle of precious metal can be more beautiful than any complication.