Cartier Tank Louis

Cartier is responsible for some of the most recognizable and successful wristwatches in the history of modern horology. The definitive expert on watch design, the French maison has always been a leader in challenging conventional approaches to watch making while pioneering new styling as a fixture in the broader fashion world.

Few watches have played a larger role in solidifying this brand identity than the Tank. Undoubtedly the most iconic watch in Cartier’s history a nd conceived based on a simple idea, it’s evolved to take myriad forms over the years, with over a dozen sub-designs that each ha s i ts own identity and presence. After the release of the Tank, the watch space was changed forever.

After 1917, Cartier saw a surge in interest for unique watches, and more and more Cartier Tank models were born, building on the underlying design philosophy that made the Tank an initial success i n the 1 910 s. The Tank Cintrée was introduced in 1921, the Louis and Chinoise in 1922, the Basculante in 1933, the Asymetrique in 19 36, an d so on.

While each model has its own unique personality, the Tank Louis is the quintessential configuration, and is truly the face of the Tank collection. The rounded, polished brancards, blue sapphire cabochon, beautiful Rom an numera ls, 'railroad' minute track, and blued steel hands have not only come to personify the Ta nk, b ut Car tier’s identity as a w atchmaker. This watch became the symbol of watchmaking in the 1920s and 1930s, and perfectly cap tures the era ’s approach to changing style and fashion.