The Cartier Tank is over 100 years old and is still one of the most recognisable watch designs ever made. It was inspired by the top view of the First World War Tanks, where the tracks ran around the body of the vehicle, and during an age where machines were inspiring design everywhere through design movement including Cubism, Bauhaus and de Stijl. When it was first designed in 1919, the simple design followed Louis Cartier’s design codes from his earlier wristwatches; the railway-style minute tracking, Roman numerals, blue steel hands, the cabochon winding crown and, Cartier’s own invention, the deployment buckle. It was also at this time that Edmond Jaeger designed the movements, which were made by LeCoultre. In the 50 years since the first Cartier Tank was sold, only 6,000 were ever produced (6 were produced in the first year and 33 in the second), making Tanks from this age incredibly rare.
It wasn’t until 1976 that the in-house Must de Cartier Tank was launched, the first product in the in-house Must line. These Tanks were made of vermeil, or silver gilt, which is gold-plated sterling silver. This made the new line more affordable whilst still having the prestige of being made from a precious metal. Various sizes, dial colours and finishes were then produced for both men and women. The Must de Cartier line was faded out at the beginning of the 21st century.
Extra Points
There really is a Cartier Tank to suit everyone's tastes. Here we have a beautiful tricolour dial complete with all the classic hallmarks of Cartier's elegant designs. We have the Roman numbers, blue-steel hands, railway-style outer tracking all in a silver gilt case complete with cabochon crown. And of course, this stunning watch comes on a Cartier strap, with the Cartier buckle and has the original Cartier box and papers.
What we think
Cartier Tanks have been worn by the greats throughout its lifetime including Fred Astaire, Jackie Kennedy, Michelle Obama and Princess Diana. Andy Warhol famously said, “I don’t wear a Tank to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear.”
Spec Stuff
Reference : Vermeil 80841
Movement : SwissQuartz Age :1981/1990 Specific Age :Circa 1990 Case Size : 23.5mm Case Thickness : Lug to Lug :30mm Lugs : 17mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Box and Papers Case Material : Sterling Silver 925 Gilt Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1990s Cartier Quartz Tank with Tri-Colour Dial in 925 Silver Gilt with Box and Papers
