The Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic is hardly a “large” watch, but it’s effective in being a more modern, sufficiently masculine iteration of the design. At 31mm by 40.85mm and 7.65mm thin, I locate that the Cartier Tank Solo XL to be a masterpiece of style and proportions and a great fit for my 6.5″ (17cm) wrist. To get a watch called the Tank with powerful military-associated roots, however, the Cartier Tank is largely seen as the opposite of a rough-wearing, battlefield watch. The Cartier Tank Solo XL is water-resistant to only 30m, comes on a leather strap, and is the wristwatch version of a tuxedo.Calling this model “XL” reminds us that it is still thought to be a men’s eye. The basic look of the Cartier Tank has been popular for women’s watches, and this might actually turn some guys off by causing them to see it as female – Ariel discussed this general occurrence in a committed article here. Personally, that is not relevant to my own preferences and wearing habits. Further, if you don’t believe Cartier a “real” watch manufacturer because they also make jewelry – well, then there is likely nothing I can say that will change your mind anyway.To mepersonally, there are three possible problems with the understanding of the Cartier Tank. It might be considered 1) feminine, 2) overly formal or old-fashioned( or 3) generic. Yes, like the Rolex Submariner, say, the Cartier Tank might be criticized as being a victim of its success. It has influenced countless other designs and been imitated endlessly… to the point that its closeness might almost signify a generic “watch” to people not familiar with watches. The Tank’s recognizability may be good or a bad thing depending on your view, or it might not matter for you if you enjoy the opinion.
The Panthère Royale watch reigns supreme with a satin finished dial that twinkles with brilliant-cut diamonds. Set in a three-dimensional sculpture, this miniature bas-relief recalls one of the creature’s earliest appearances on a sapphire brooch created for the Duchess of Windsor in 1949.
It is a very delicate jeweller’s work, while having complex forms and proportions. The diamonds conjure illusions of depth and dimension from the bezel to the glittering lace of the motif, and the wild cat is ablaze with the fire of diamonds.
