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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Rectangular quartz wristwatch

Cartier Tank Américaine, Ref. 1720

Partially verified

This Cartier Tank Américaine reference 1720 is an 18k yellow gold rectangular wristwatch catalogued to circa the 2000s. Featuring an elongated, curved case measuring 33 mm in height by 22 mm in width, the source notes it houses a battery-powered quartz movement providing two-hand timekeeping. The white dial displays elongated black Roman numeral hour markers, an inner railway minute track, blued-steel hands, and the Cartier secret signature within the VII numeral. The beaded crown is set with a dark cabochon, and the watch is presented on a brown leather strap accompanied by an associated 18k gold Cartier buckle.

Front view of the Cartier Tank Américaine ref. 1720 in 18k yellow gold with white dial and brown strap
Front view of the Cartier Tank Américaine ref. 1720 in 18k yellow gold with white dial and brown strap — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Wristwatch · Rectangular quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
1720
Catalogue / lot identifier
66
Source-reported date
circa 2000s
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Construction

This Cartier Tank Américaine, reference 1720, is catalogued to circa the 2000s. The watch features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 33 mm by 22 mm.

The timepiece is fitted with a beaded yellow gold winding crown set with a dark cabochon and is presented on a brown calf leather strap with an associated 18k gold Cartier buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “CARTIER TANK AMERICAINE, REF.1720”
  • “CIRCA: 2000s”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold”
  • “DIAMETER: 33 x 22mm (H x W)”
  • “BRACELET / STRAP MATERIAL: Brown calf leather with Cartier associated buckle”
  • “ACCESSORIES: Cartier buckle in 18k gold”

Dial Characteristics

The watch features a white dial with elongated Roman numeral hour markers and blued-steel hands. It includes an inner railway minute track.

The dial contains the Cartier secret signature integrated into the VII numeral and displays the 'SWISS' designation at the base.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: White”
  • “Secret 'CARTIER' signature integrated into the inner branch of the VII numeral.”
  • “'SWISS' printed below the VI numeral at the dial base.”

Mechanism and Condition Notes

The movement is a quartz caliber providing time-only functions. It was reported in working order at the time of cataloguing, though it has not been tested for accuracy and a service is recommended.

Condition reporting notes that the case exhibits scratches, hallmarks are visible on the case back, and the case back screws show signs of having been unscrewed. The dial and hands are reported to have developed light patina.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Quartz”
  • “The case is in good condition with scratches.”
  • “The hallmarks are visible on the case back.”
  • “The screws in the case back show signs of being unscrewed.”
  • “The dial and hands appear to be original and has developed light patina.”
  • “The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the 'associated' Cartier buckle mentioned in the strap description?
  • Does the 'light patina' noted on the dial and hands affect legibility or indicate moisture ingress?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Tank Américaine, Ref. 1720
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1720“REF.1720”
Circa2000s“CIRCA: 2000s”
Case Material18k yellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold”
Dimensions33 x 22mm (H x W)“DIAMETER: 33 x 22mm (H x W)”
MovementQuartz“MOVEMENT: Quartz”
DialWhite“DIAL: White”
AccessoriesCartier buckle in 18k gold“ACCESSORIES: Cartier buckle in 18k gold”
Case Back ConditionSigns of wear and previous opening“The screws in the case back show signs of being unscrewed.”

Visible details

  • White dial with elongated black Roman numerals and an inner railway minute track.
  • Blued-steel sword hands with a central circular pivot.
  • Secret 'CARTIER' signature integrated into the inner branch of the VII numeral.
  • Beaded yellow gold winding crown set with a dark cabochon.
  • Fitted with a brown leather strap displaying a textured skin pattern.
  • 'SWISS' printed below the VI numeral at the dial base.

Research qualifications

  • Case back, hallmarks, and movement are not depicted in the provided photograph.
  • Source notes the strap as calf leather, though it displays an embossed or exotic texture in the photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTIER, TANK AMERICAINE, REF.1720, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 7b6f1a76e3

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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