Cartier WHTA0040 Tank Américaine Skeleton Large 44.4mm Rose Gold Watch

Cartier WHTA0040 Tank Américaine Skeleton Large 44.4mm 18k Rose Gold Watch

The Cartier Tank Américaine Skeleton WHTA0040 is one of the most technically and aesthetically ambitious expressions of the Tank Américaine collection — the large model in 18k rose gold with a fully openworked manual winding movement that transforms the iconic Américaine case into a window onto horological craft. Case Shape: Rectangle. The skeleton Tank Américaine represents the point where Cartier’s architectural watchmaking heritage meets the transparency of haute horlogerie finishing — the Tank’s characteristic verticality and proportion maintained in precious metal while the dial reveals the mechanical complexity within.

The Skeleton Dial — Mechanical Architecture Revealed

The openworked Calibre 1988 MC reduces the movement’s bridges and plates to the minimum material required for structural integrity, then finishes every exposed surface to Cartier’s exacting standards — bevelling, polishing, and decorating each component with the care traditionally reserved for the most prestigious dress watch movements. Viewed through the large model’s 44.4 x 24.4mm case, the movement’s architecture fills the full dial aperture — the oscillating balance wheel visible at the upper portion of the movement, the manually wound mainspring barrel below, the gear train connecting the two in a display of mechanical logic made beautiful. Blued-steel sword-shaped hands mark the hours and minutes above this intricate surface.

The Tank Américaine Large in Rose Gold — Architectural Presence

The Tank Américaine was introduced in 1989 as an evolution of the Tank Cintrée’s elongated case proportions — its curved case back and arched profile creating the characteristic domed silhouette that distinguishes it from the flat-backed Tank Normale. In the large model at 44.4 x 24.4mm, the Américaine achieves its most commanding presence — a watch that wears as a statement regardless of context. In 18k rose gold, the warm metal gives the skeleton movement a particularly warm and intimate character, the rose gold bridges and plates visible through the movement adding a precious depth that steel cannot achieve. The 18k rose gold crown is set with a faceted sapphire.

Calibre 1988 MC — Manual Winding Skeleton

The Calibre 1988 MC is Cartier’s in-house skeleton movement developed specifically for the Tank Américaine. Measuring 33.9 x 20.8mm in diameter and 4.2mm in thickness, its 24 jewels oscillate at 28,800 vibrations per hour, delivering approximately 50 hours of power reserve from a single mainspring winding. The movement’s architecture follows the elongated geometry of the Américaine case — a movement designed for this case rather than adapted to it. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement from the reverse. Delivered with two straps — a semi-matte navy blue alligator and a semi-matte dark gray alligator, both with 18k rose gold interchangeable deployant buckle. Water resistant to 30 metres.