Tank watches - Cartier

Tank

The rectangular Tank watch: elegance and creativity

TANK FRANÇAISE, A HEROINE OF PAST AND PRESENT

A worthy heir to the timeless Tank watch and French style. ​

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DESIGN

Inspired by the design of a combat vehicle viewed from above, this watch follows one clear graphic principle: the brancards were the treads, the case was the turret. From this combination came a new and fundamental principal: the case attachments are aligned with the strap to maintain the rhythm of the design.

THE LEGEND AND THE HISTORY

At the beginning of the 20th century, Louis Cartier devoted himself to formal research, the aim of which was to bring the circular watch face in line with the bracelet. To then refine it further and finally integrate the design of the case as an extension of the wristband. Developed by Cartier in 1917, it took until 1919 for the Tank to be marketed. Between 15 November and 26 December, 1919, six pieces were listed in stock; on 17 January of the following year, there were none left. 

CONSTANTLY REINVENTED

Reflecting stylistic research that has become more sophisticated over time, the line of the Tank watch will always evolve.
From 1921, the case stretched, the brancards became more refined: it became the Tank LC watch for Louis Cartier. Then came the monochrome dials of the Must years from the end of the 1970s.

In 1988, it was the launch of the Tank Américaine, in tune with the energy of the time, and in 1996, it was that of the Tank Française, which inaugurated a metal bracelet in perfect continuity with the case.