Cartier Tank
CARTIER TANK
Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, Cartier has built a legacy of beloved and iconic timepieces throughout its storied history. Among its most celebrated creations is the Cartier Tank, a watch whose origins trace back to World War I. Louis Cartier, grandson of Louis-François Cartier, drew inspiration for the design of the Cartier Tank from the Renault FT-17, a French tank used during the war.
The Cartier Tank was one of the first watches to depart from the traditional round case design, drawing inspiration from the construction of the Renault FT-17, the first tank to feature a fully rotating turret. With its rectangular case and sleek lines, the Cartier Tank revolutionized the watch industry. The main body of the Renault FT-17 inspired the Cartier Tank’s rectangular case, while its tracks influenced the design of the watch’s side brancards.
In 1918, the prototype of the Cartier Tank was presented to U.S. General John Pershing as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for his leadership of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I. In 1919, the watch was officially released to the market, and by the 1920s, it had gained immense popularity among watch enthusiasts.
The first Cartier Tank, the Tank Normale, unveiled in 1919, introduced many of the design features that would become iconic, such as the rectangular case, side brancards, Roman numeral dial, blue steel hands, blue crown, and railroad-style minute markers. The Tank Normale also featured a leather strap that seamlessly integrated with the brancards and case. This watch was special because it set the tone for Cartier to challenge traditional wristwatch designs of the time and establish its own unique legacy.
The first variation of the Cartier Tank, the Tank Cintrée, was released in 1921. This model featured a longer, more rectangular case with a smooth curve. Due to its limited production, the Tank Cintrée is regarded as one of the rarest Cartier models ever made.
Following the Tank Cintrée, Cartier released the Tank Louis Cartier in 1922. While it retained much of the Tank Normale’s design, the Tank Louis Cartier featured several modifications. The brancards now had more rounded edges, replacing the sharper edges of the Tank Normale. Additionally, the dial, which had been square in the Tank Normale, was now rectangular. A tribute to the brand’s founder, the Tank Louis Cartier became the foundation for all future Cartier Tank models.
The same year the Tank Louis Cartier was released, Cartier also introduced two new models: the Tank Chinoise and the Tank Allongée. The Tank Chinoise paid tribute to Asian culture by featuring a design inspired by the outline of a Chinese temple. The traditional side brancards remained, while two additional bars were added to the top and bottom of the case, mimicking the structure of entry gates seen in Asian architecture. The Tank Allongée featured an elongated case, much like the Tank Cintrée. This model appealed to buyers who preferred a more extended case.
Over the next few years, Cartier continued to introduce new models in the Tank series, each offering subtle variations on the last. The Tank Savonette featured a metal flap designed to protect the dial. However, this design failed to gain momentum and was eventually outshined by the Tank Basculante, which featured a unique swiveling case. Cartier also introduced the Tank à Guichets, which replaced the traditional dial with small windows displaying the hours and minutes. While these models never gained widespread popularity, they remain a testament to Cartier’s commitment to innovation.
In the late 1920s, Cartier unveiled the Tank Obus. Distinguished by its lugs and square case, the Tank Obus departed from the rectangular case used in previous models. This model is also notable for being embellished with exquisite design features, such as diamond and bold Roman numeral bezels.
In the 1930s, Cartier went on to release the Tank Étanche and the Tank Asymétrique. The Tank Étanche was the first model to be waterproof, while the Tank Asymétrique is known for its asymmetrical case.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Cartier didn’t introduce new models of the Tank. However, in 1977, Cartier released the Tank Must de Cartier. These watches were gold-plated (vermeil) and provided a more affordable entry point into the Tank series.
In 1989, Cartier presented the Tank Américaine. Featuring a similarly curved rectangular case to the Tank Cintrée, the Tank Américaine was the first curved, waterproof Cartier Tank watch.
In 1996, Cartier introduced the Tank Française to the Tank lineup. Featuring a square case, the Tank Française embraced a more modern look with a link bracelet. It offered a sportier look than previous models and is renowned for being one of the most iconic pieces in the Tank series.
During the early 2000s, Cartier released several new models, including the Tank Divan, the Tank Anglaise, and the Tank Solo. The Tank Divan retains the classic Tank design but features a case that is slightly rotated, giving it a unique look compared to the traditional rectangular case. The Tank Anglaise, while still reminiscent of previous models, stands out with the crown seamlessly integrated into the brancards. The Tank Solo followed a similar approach to the Tank Must de Cartier by offering a more affordable entry point into the Tank family, featuring a design closely resembling the Tank Louis Cartier, but with a quartz movement instead of an automatic movement.
The Cartier Tank is a watch that exemplifies luxury with its sleek design and timeless elegance. Its rich history and evolution over the years only further elevates its uniqueness from other timepieces. With numerous variations introduced over time, there is a Cartier Tank model for everyone. Truly, the Cartier Tank stands as a watch unlike any other.
We offer a wide selection of Cartier Tank models in stock, available in both unworn and pre-owned conditions:
Unworn Tank Louis Cartier 33.7 x 25.5mm WGTA0011
Pre-owned Tank Américaine 18 x 35mm w26019L1 / 1713
Pre-owned Tank Américaine 19 x 35mm Diamond Bezel 2489
Pre-owned Tank Francaise Chronograph 37 x 28mm Stainless Steel w51001q3 / 2303
Pre-owned Tank Solo 31 x 24.4mm w5200002 / 3168
Pre-owned Tank Solo 31 x 24.4mm w5200002 / 3168
Pre-owned Tank Solo Python 24 x 31mm 3170
Pre-owned Tank Vermeil 24mm 590002
