Independent media since 2014
by Charlotte Wannebroucq · CNE Accredited Gemmologist

LA MONTRE TANK IS AN ICON

While the Maison Cartier excels in jewelry craftsmanship, it has also been a leader in the watchmaking industry for more than a century. As such, one of its most emblematic creations is the Tank. There is no doubt that this watch is a symbol of timeless elegance.
Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Updated on August 21
Updated on August 21, 2024
CARTIER LA MONTRE TANK IS AN ICON
LA MONTRE TANK IS AN ICON

Cartier watches Tank aux Flammarion Editions.

CARTIER LA MONTRE TANK IS AN ICON
Tank Cintrée wristwatch, Cartier Paris, 1936. Cartier Collection.
Satin-polished, curved gold case, polished gold bezel. Beaded screw-down crown, a sapphire cabochon. Leather strap, yellow and rose gold deployant buckle. Silver-plated, grained dial, 12 Roman numerals, internal railway minute hand. Steel-tipped, pommel-type hands.
Caliber 122 LeCoultre rond movement, Côtes de Genève decoration, rhodium-plated, 2 adjustments, 18 rubies, anchor escapement, bimetallic balance, flat spiral.
© Eric Sauvage

First of all, it should be noted that this beautiful work, written by Franco Cologni, includes a chapter on the models created since 2017. This allows us to follow the evolution of this legendary tank watch, conceived by Louis Cartier in 1917, which remains an icon of modern horology.

In other words, this watch is part of those objects that evolve with humans, worn a bit like a fetish object. If the House Cartier Excellence in jewelry craftsmanship also applies to watchmaking for more than a century. This is how one of its most emblematic creations is the Tank. No doubt this watch is a symbol of timeless elegance. In this regard, its harmonious shape often adapts to its era by offering variations in size. Regardless of fashions, the tank watch reinvents itself without disturbing its identity.

It should not be forgotten that its design is inspired by assault tanks used during the First World War. In this context, Louis Cartier, the founder of the brand, created a watch with a rectangular case. Thus, he recalled the shape of these military vehicles. So, this object became a symbol of innovation in horology, with its bold geometric design and shape. CARTIER LA MONTRE TANK IS AN ICONAs is often the case with an icon, the famous watch Cartier The Tank is worn by many celebrities and influential personalities. For example, the famous actor Cary Grant wears a Tank on his wrist in many films. It will also be the favorite watch of Jackie Kennedy-Onassis and Michelle Obama. In fact, the image of the watch is strengthened as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

Overall, the Tank is an emblematic luxury watch with innovative design and timeless sophistication. This is what this work by Flammarions Editions, The watch Cartier Tank is indeed an icon.

Editions.Flammarion.com

 

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Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
The author

Charlotte Wannebroucq

Gemmologist expert, member of the CNE-Art, and expert in signed jewelry. Twenty-five years of experience at the heart of Parisian jewelry, between the Carré Rive Gauche and Place Vendôme.
She signs the decryptions of collections, the analyses of stones and the estimates published in Esprit Joaillerie. Each piece commented on is examined in person, in the workshop, in the sales room or in the showroom.
  • Expertise

    Gemmology and signed jewellery

  • Member

    CNE-Art

  • Experience

    Over 25 years in Parisian jewellery