Cartier Tank Française Chronoreflex Ref. 2303 - Piaget 212P - Circa 1998

For decades, the Tank has been one of Cartier's most recognizable designs. In 1996, the Française changed what happened when those familiar lines reached the wrist. The long rectangular case, Roman numerals, blue hands and cabochon crown remained, but the vertical design no longer ended at ordinary lugs. They continued directly into the steel bracelet, carrying the geometry of the case all the way around the wrist.

The Chronoreflex brought that same design into the world of complications. Beneath the familiar Cartier face was a perpetual calendar and chronograph, based on an innovative movement designed and produced by Piaget. It was an unusual combination: one of the most recognizable dress watches in the world, fitted with a movement sophisticated enough to track the date, elapsed time and calendar functions without sacrificing the severe proportions that made the Tank a Tank.

The dial is particularly well preserved. Rather than the bright replacement dials so often encountered on serviced Cartier watches of this period, this watch retains its original dial, now carrying a beautiful, subtle warm patina. A few areas show authentic spotting from age. The Roman numerals remain crisp against the softened ground, the blued sword hands retain their color, and the calendar and chronograph indications remain precisely arranged within the rectangular frame.

At twelve, the date hand sweeps across the calendar scale. The lower registers record the chronograph's elapsed hours and minutes, while the long central hand measures seconds when the chronograph is running. The familiar Cartier railroad track holds the perimeter together, keeping the additional information subordinate to the Tank's original design language.

Behind the four screws in the caseback is Piaget caliber 212P, a 25-jewel movement combining perpetual calendar and chronograph functions. Piaget's involvement is an important part of what makes this particular Tank interesting.

The stainless steel case carries the same brushed and polished surfaces into the integrated bracelet. Long polished edges catch the light against the broader brushed planes, while the bracelet tapers naturally away from the case before closing with a signed Cartier clasp. There are some scratches and marks from age and wear, visible in the photographs.

Much of the original presentation set has survived with the watch. Included are the fitted Cartier presentation box, outer packaging, instruction book, wallet, cleaning kit and the other Cartier accessories shown in the photographs. The original warranty card is not present, although the wallet in which it would have been kept remains with the set.

The watch runs and keeps good time, the chronograph functions. Its service history is unknown.

Size 32.75mm wide including the crown x 37mm tall

Terms: Please review all photos carefully as they are a part of the listing. This is a vintage timepiece. Accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance are not guaranteed. Vintage watches may require periodic service. Performance can vary with wear, temperature, and position.

All sales final.