Cartier Tank Francaise Chronograph Perpetual, Two-tone
£4,450.00
includes our 24 month warranty
FULLY SERVICED
AUTHENTICATED IN-HOUSE
ORIGINALITY INSPECTED
INSURED UK DELIVERY
LEWES SHOWROOM
Introduced in 1996, the Cartier Tank Française represented a modern evolution of the celebrated Tank design, first conceived by Louis Cartier in 1917. Distinguished by its integrated bracelet and architectural case, the Française retained the unmistakable rectangular proportions of its predecessor while introducing a more contemporary aesthetic. This 2012 reference 2303 is among the more technically sophisticated variations, combining stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold in a traditional two-tone configuration, with a matching integrated bracelet and Cartier’s highly unusual Chronoflex chronograph perpetual-calendar movement.
Developed during a period of considerable experimentation in quartz watchmaking, Cartier’s Chronoflex calibre combined electronic timekeeping with an unusually complex arrangement of chronograph and calendar functions. Its perpetual calendar is programmed to accommodate varying month lengths and leap years, while the chronograph provides additional timing functionality through the subsidiary registers. Despite this technical complexity, the dial retains Cartier’s established design language, with Roman numerals, blued steel hands and a traditional chemin-de-fer minute track. This example also benefits from Cartier service history, an important consideration for a specialised movement of this nature.
This example remains in particularly attractive condition, with a sharply defined case retaining the crisp edges and pronounced facets characteristic of the Tank Française. The contrasting polished steel and yellow gold surfaces emphasise the geometric construction of the case, while the original two-tone Cartier bracelet remains equally well preserved, its articulated links integrating neatly into the case. This reference 2303 retains the understated appearance of the classic Tank Française while offering one of the most technically interesting complications produced within the collection.
