About the Watch

Created in 1917 as an answer to Renaults new Tank watches Cartier saw in use on the Western Front, Louis Cartier designed his own prototype of a more practical watches that was presented to the American Expeditionary Force. A year latter, the first Cartier Tank was released, quickly followed by going into full production in 1919. Its lines and proportions are similar to the tanks used on the battelfields, earning it its famous name and, along the way, served as a name giver to one of the rectangular shape we love till today. Since its inception, many variations have been released like the Tank Louis in 1922, the Tank Americaine in 1989 or the Tank Française in 1996, all boasting the defining features of arguably Cartiers most famous subline of watches like its bold roman numeral dial with a chemin de fer chapter ring, blue Cartier hands as well as a sapphire cabochon-surmounted crown.

About the Brand

Cartier was founded in 1847 in Paris by the jeweller Louis-François Cartier, who in 1899 handed over to his three sons. They would establish the company internationally, not least by making the Cartier name a favourite among the crowned heads of Europe. Named "King of Jewellers, Jeweller of Kings", the brand was quick to turn its attention to watches. Many have become modern-day icons, such as the Santos (1904), the first wristwatch actually ever created, the Tortue (1912) and the Tank (1919). They were followed by other noteworthy creations, including the Pasha, the Santos 100, the Ballon Bleu and the Calibre. The Cartier family retained ownership of the firm until 1964. It is now part of the Richemont Group.