Cartier Tank Americaine 'Exploding' Roman Numerals Ref. 2505 (Large/Medium)
Dress Watch · Cartier (Richemont Group); Luxury tier. Renowned for jewelry-influenced horology and iconic case shapes.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Art Deco Revival (Late 1990s - Early 2000s)
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Cartier (Richemont Group); Luxury tier. Renowned for jewelry-influenced horology and iconic case shapes.
Movement
Quartz movement (Caliber Cartier 157 or similar); 4 jewels, high-precision Swiss-made quartz.
Dimensions
23mm x 42mm case diameter, 7.5mm thickness, 18mm lug width.
Description
The Cartier Tank Americaine was introduced in 1989 as a curved evolution of the 1921 Tank Cintrée. This specific execution features a rare 'Exploding Roman Numeral' dial, which departs from Cartier's typical symmetry to offer a Dali-esque, avant-garde aesthetic. The elongated rectangular case is ergonomically curved to hug the wrist, blending jewelry elegance with the utility of a daily timepiece.
Key Features
Distorted Roman numerals that 'flee' from the center; curved case profile (cintrée); cabochon crown; blued steel hands.
Dial Description
Off-white/Silver 'Exploding' dial featuring oversized, distorted black Roman numerals that expand toward the edges. Sword-shaped blued-steel hands. Railway minute track. 'SWISS MADE' at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless Steel (Polished finish)
Crystal Type
Domed mineral or sapphire crystal following the curvature of the case; visible edge wear suggests mineral glass.
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated brancards bezel in polished stainless steel.
Crown & Pushers
Octagonal steel crown set with a synthetic blue spinel/sapphire cabochon. Push-pull operation.
Bracelet or Strap
Black alligator-pattern leather strap with a polished steel Cartier-style pin buckle or deployant clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel caseback, secured by eight screws. Engraved with 'Cartier', 'Water Resistant', 'Steel', and model reference number.
Movement Type
Quartz movement (Caliber Cartier 157 or similar); 4 jewels, high-precision Swiss-made quartz.
Water Resistance
30 Meters (3 ATM/100 Feet); Splash resistant only. Should not be worn for swimming or submerged.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 1998–2005 production.
Cultural Significance
A staple of high-society fashion, the Tank Americaine represents the transition of Cartier from a purveyor of static classics to a brand willing to experiment with geometric distortion and modern wrist presence.
Condition Notes
Good overall. The case shows light surface scratches consistent with use. The dial appears clean with no visible oxidation. The crystal shows minor peripheral abrasions. The strap shows significant wear and creasing at the fastening point. Likely Grade: B (Good).
Value Estimate
$2,500 - $3,800 USD (Varies by size and inclusion of original box/papers).
Care & Maintenance
Replace battery every 2-3 years to avoid acid leakage. Check gaskets for water resistance annually. Avoid exposure to magnets and strong perfumes. Clean with a soft lint-free cloth.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Cintrée (Thinner and longer), Franck Muller Casablanca (Similar dial distortion but tonneau case), Longines DolceVita (More affordable rectangular alternative).
Interesting Facts
The 'Exploding' dial is often associated with Franck Muller designs, but Cartier utilized this aesthetic in the late 90s to appeal to a more modern, expressive clientele. The Americaine was the first Cartier watch to offer a curved, water-resistant case.