#WatchYaGot: Collector Lim U-Shaun on buying two very different Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise timepieces

Watch collector and lawyer Lim U-Shaun tells us why he bought two very contrasting versions of a timepiece.

By Lynette Koh / 7 Sep 2022

Watch collector Lim U-Shaun and his Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise watches

Cartier, Cartier Tank, Cartier watches, Watch collectors

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Marking the 100th anniversary of the Tank Chinoise — which was inspired by traditional Chinese architecture — the latest Cartier Prive Tank Chinoise models are definitely some of Cartier’s key novelties for the year. The updated models include three pieces in platinum, yellow gold and rose gold; as well as skeletonised versions with vibrantly coloured lacquered bridges.

In the latest instalment of #WatchYaGot, where we get up close with compelling new timepieces recently bought by watch enthusiasts, collector and lawyer Lim U-Shaun tells us why he bought two very contrasting versions of the Tank Chinoise — the relatively stealthy platinum edition as well as its polar opposite, the Skeleton version in yellow gold, with red and black bridges.

When I got my Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise watches:

Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Skeleton in yellow gold

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"I received both in the month of August within a week of each other, four months after Watches & Wonders Geneva."

What made me choose these two very different timepieces:

Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise in platinum

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"The yellow-gold Skeleton is such a daring, unapologetic take on chinoiserie. The designer clearly took the brief and ran with it, with very striking results. It is a near-perfect execution of a watch that you would call a Tank Chinoise.

"If the yellow-gold skeleton is an exuberant celebration of chinoiserie, then the platinum time-only model is the quiet, confident cousin that allows the case details to shine. The steps on each brancard (the parallel vertical bars on a Tank watch) showcase contrasting brushed and polished surfaces. These create bold vertical lines that beautifully complement the rounded and polished horizontal bands. I love that it flies under the radar and allows me to enjoy the luxurious heft of platinum without drawing too much attention."

What it’s been like wearing these watches:

Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise Skeleton in yellow gold

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“The yellow-gold Skeleton has been a joy to wear and is a great conversation-starter. I love how open the skeleton design is. It evokes memories of the carved cut-outs that adorned the back of the antique Chinese rosewood dining chairs in my childhood home.

“The platinum is perfect for a daily watch and for when I’m travelling. It’s a special watch that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself.”

How the Tank Chinoise compares to another favourite, my yellow-gold Tank Cintrée 100th-anniversary edition:

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“The Tank Cintrée is still unbeatable for its elegance. For a black-tie event, it’s definitely my watch of choice. While platinum Cartiers seem to be the preferred choice of collectors, I think yellow-gold Cartiers are still the most iconic; and among them, the Tank Cintrée is very hard to beat.”

What I’m eyeing next:
“F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance in platinum.”

All images of watches courtesy of Lim U-Shaun.

Cartier, Cartier Tank, Cartier watches, Watch collectors