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 watch is a miniature laides' version of the brand's famed Tank Louis, a second-generation model that has become the blueprint for the Tank collection more broadly. Housed in a 14mm x 28mm rectangular 18K white gold case with diamond-set brancards and a diamond-cabochon crown, it features a silvered 'Roman' dial with a blued-steel 'sword' handset. Simple, elegant, and powered by a reliable quartz movement, it comes paired to a signed red alligator leather strap with a white gold deployant clasp.
On the hunt for a Cartier Tank with a bit of extra sparkle? Then this is the watch for you!