Cartier is responsible for some of the most recognizable and successful wristwatches in the history of modern horology. The definitive expert on watch design, the French maison has always been a leader in challenging conventional approaches while pioneering new styling as a fixture in the broader fashion world.
Few watches have played a larger role in solidifying this brand identity than the Tank. Undoubtedly the most iconic watch in Cartier’s oeuvre, it’s evolved to take myriad forms over the years, with over a dozen sub-designs that each has its own identity and presence.
Introduced in 1917 based on an idea from Louis Cartier, the great-grandson of Cartier’s founder, the Tank took inspiration from a French military vehicle from the First World War, the Renault FT-17. Its look was striking and revolutionary: Rectangular and unconventional for the period, it was also one of the earliest wristwatches to be popularly accepted by men.
After 1917, Cartier saw a surge in interest in its unique shaped watches, and more and more Cartier Tank models were born that built on the underlying design philosophy of the 1910s. The Tank Cintrée debuted in 1921, the Louis and Chinoise in 1922, the Basculante in 1933, the Asymetrique in 1936, and so on.
This particular Cartier Tank is one of the more contemporary takes on the model's design language: Executed in 18K yellow gold, it's a scaled-down, ladeis' spin on the Louis, with long, smooth brancards, a Roman-numeral dial with blued 'sword' hands, a blue sapphire cabochon crown, and a yellow-gold case. Modestly sized at 15mm x 29mm, it's powered by a quartz movement and comes paired to a signed, black leather strap with a yellow gold pin buckle.
If you're after Cartier cool but at a smaller, less obtrusive size than the already-svelte Tank Louis affords, then this is the watch for you!