Cartier Tank
 Cartier's Tank Must model | |
| Type | Dress watch |
|---|---|
| Display | Analog |
| Introduced | 1917 |
The Tank is a line of watches made by Cartier. It was created by Louis Cartier in 1917, and inspired by the new Renault tanks which Cartier saw in use on the Western Front.[1] The prototype watch was presented by Cartier to General John J. Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force.
History
[edit]The Tank was introduced in 1918, and entered full production in 1919, when six pieces were built.[2] Its lines and proportions are similar to those of tanks used on First World War battlefields. Its strap is integrated into vertical sidebars called brancards. Since its inception, variations of the watch have been released by Cartier, including the Tank Louis in 1922, the Tank Americaine in 1989, and the Tank Française in 1996. The defining features of a Tank watch include its bold Roman numeral dial with a chemin de fer chapter ring, sword-shaped blued steel hands, and a sapphire cabochon-surmounted crown.
The Tank has become one of the most stylish, sophisticated, highly coveted and copied wristwatches of all time, and has been worn by, amongst others, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Yves Saint Laurent and Jeff Goldblum. It is generally considered to be a watch of leaders and is suitable for wearing at any occasion. [3] In 2016, the models produced are Tank Anglaise, Tank Louis Cartier, Tank Américaine, Tank Française, Tank MC and Tank Solo, each with several variants. In 2017, for its centenary, a model is offered with an automatic movement.[4]
The 2020s brought a surge in demand for vintage Cartier Tank models (source)[5]. These watches have demonstrated sustained popularity among celebrities and collectors alike[6]. In the 21st century, celebrities like Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Meghan Markle, and Tom Ford have been seen wearing Cartier Tank watches[7].
These are the key models in the Cartier Tank family[8]:
- Tank Normale, the original model, in production on and off since 1917[9]
- Tank Cintrée, known for its curved case to fit against the wrist
- Tank Americaine, introduced in 1989 and still in production[10]
- Tank Anglaise, introduced in 2012 and no longer in production[11]
- Tank Francaise, introduced in 1996[12]
- Tank Must, introduced in the 1970s, then discontinued and reintroduced in 2021[13]
- Tank Monopoussoir, produced from 1998 to 2008
- Tank Louis, introduced in the 1920s[14]
- Tank Chinoise, introduced in 1922, then discontinued and reintroduced in 2022[15]
- Tank à Guichets, the “ticket window” model, introduced in 1928 then discontinued and re-released at the 2025 Watches and Wonders event[16]
- Tank Basculante, produced in the early 1930s and again in the 2000s
- Tank Asymétrique, produced in the 1930s and then on and off since the 1990s[17]
- Tank MC, introduced in 2013[18]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Tank". Cartier.
- ↑ Jack Forster (30 June 2015). "10 watches that changed the industry". CNN.
- ↑ Cologni, Franco. Cartier: The Tank Watch.
- ↑ Cologni, Franco (2012). Cartier: la montre Tank l'icône du temps. Paris: Flammarion. ISBN 978-2-08-128189-9.
- ↑ Freed, Jeremy (22 March 2024). "How to Choose the Cartier Tank of Your Dreams". GQ. Conde Nast. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Bernardo, Mark (30 April 2024). "Cartier Tank Watch: The Ultimate Guide". Teddy Baldassarre. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Boyd, Charlie (8 April 2024). "The history of the Cartier Tank: the ultimate investment timepiece". Harper's Bazaar. Hearst UK. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ "Tank de Cartier watches - all watch models". Cartier. Cartier.
- ↑ Pulvirent, Stephen (5 March 2026). "Collecting the Cartier Tank: A Guide to the Most Important Models". Sothebys.com. Sotheby's. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ "The Essential Guide to the Cartier Tank". Sothebys.com. Sotheby's. 30 April 2026. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Brown, Emma (31 May 2012). "The Tank Anglaise: A Brief History Lesson, Courtesy of Cartier". Interview Magazine. Interview Magazine. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Maher, Dani. "Cartier announces first ever update to the iconic Tank Française, once worn by Princess Diana". Harper's Bazaar. Switzer Media + Publishing. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Koh, Wei (7 April 2021). "Introducing the Cartier Tank Must". Revolution Watch. Revolution Watch. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Khan, Bilal (28 May 2025). "Cartier Tank Louis Review". Teddy Baldassarre. Teddy Baldassarre. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Khan, Bilal. "Hands-On: Cartier Prive Tank Chinoise Collection Breathes New Life Into a Classic". A Blog to Watch. aBlogtoWatch. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Avi & Co. Team. "Watches and Wonders 2025 Recap: The Bold, the Bright, and the Beautiful". Avi & Co. Avi & Co. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Orrico, Karyn (16 October 2024). "The Cartier Tank Watch: Five Standout Examples from the Sotheby's Archive". Sothebys.com. Sotheby's. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
- ↑ Su, J. X. "News: Cartier Tank MC – a new entry level Tank with 1904 MC manufacture movement". SJX Watches. SJX Watches. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
Further reading
[edit]- Francesca Cartier Brickell (2019). The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire. Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0525621614.
- Liu, Ming (September 19, 2017). "At 100, the Cartier Tank Transcends Time". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.