The real icons of luxury watchmaking, Cartier Tank Must & Tank Louis Cartier is under the spotlight with details that re-define the concept of "timeless design".
We use some definitions so much in the world of luxury watchmaking that we often forget the importance and weight of the meaning they express. Iconic, cult, legendary, timeless... It is not easy to get these unofficial titles. In summary, you have to earn them.
All of these definitions and more are suitable for the Cartier Tank. This special concept, which was designed in 1917 and became one of the legends of the watch world with its rectangular form, continues on its way without losing any of its popularity, despite its more than a century-old past. Nowadays, where even the seasons cannot keep up with the pace of fashion, we are focusing on this cult collection, which has managed to become an accessory of every era, through two different models.
Louis Cartier designs the iconic Tank concept in 1917. The case, which came up in a rectangular form, took its place in the world of watchmaking as a very innovative and modern approach in those years when watch cases were produced only in round forms. While Cartier brings its legendary design to life, it is inspired by the tanks that change the fate of war on the battlefields. The vertical parallel line on the case of the model, inspired by the Renault FT-17 tank used by the French army during World War I, represents the tracks of the tank. Just like the Cartier Tank, which symbolizes the beginning of a brand new trend with its design, the Renault FT-17 symbolizes change with its fully rotating turret. It is an interesting detail that such an elegant design was inspired by a war vehicle. So is the fact that the prototype produced in 1918 was given to the American General John Pershing.
The Cartier Tank, which differs from the rounded designs of the period, is offered to the public for the first time in 1919. Cartier, which made the first production with only 6 examples, starts mass production in real terms as of 1920. Cartier Tank, whose popularity has increased rapidly with the increasing Art Deco movement, also succeeds in being the choice of hundreds of famous faces in its adventure of more than 100 years.
Rudolph Valentino wants his character Ahmed to wear a Cartier Tank in the 1926 movie Son of the Sheikh. Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is also known for using a Tank. The famous watch gifted by his brother-in-law in 1962, found a buyer for $379,500, in 2017 at an auction, making it the most expensive Tank model ever sold. And Andy Warhol... The artist and his Tank were inseparable. Warhol says the following about his watch; “I don't wear the Tank to know the time. Actually, I never do. I'm wearing the Tank because that's the watch to wear!”
Tribute to the 1980s with Tank Must
With the launch of the Must model family in 1977, the Tank, which was designed 60 years before this model and has become the signature model of the Maison, is redesigned in ruby color. The burgundy or jet black dial opens its doors to elegant simplicity, emancipating itself from all traditional watchmaking codes with a large and golden logo. True to the spirit of the 80s, the new Tank Must models greet us with three monochrome colors in Cartier's DNA; red, blue, and green. Home to minimalist dials without Roman numerals and railway-style minute track, the stainless steel watches offer a completely chromatic look with matching straps.
Tank Must – Photovoltaic Dial
Taking innovation as a philosophy, Cartier is known for introducing many novelties to life, which are considered the cornerstones in the history of watchmaking. For example, Santos, designed in 1904, is the first watch to be worn on the wrist. The folding clasp, which is one of the favorite features of watch enthusiasts with its ease of use and contribution to keeping the leather strap new, also takes its place in the history of horology as a significant detail, brought to life by Cartier in 1910. Cartier's innovative approach, which progresses in parallel with the design, now comes up with a new technology that will break the ground in modern luxury watchmaking; Photovoltaic Dial.
The system, which is a first for a luxury watch today, largely eliminates the dependence on the battery by being charged from any light source. The movement, called SolarBeat, hosts photovoltaic eyes that convert the light coming from outside into energy. The light required to charge the movement reaches these eyes through perforated Roman numeral indices. Cartier, which has made it a principle to include customer needs and comfort of use among the indispensable elements of the design stages, succeeds in adapting the SolarBeat movement to the Tank after two years of R&D work.
Being the first watch to use this technology, Tank Must continues to lead the way by introducing a strap made of an innovative material that guarantees high levels of quality and comfort. The wristbands, of which approximately 40% are herbal ingredients, are produced using apple waste grown for the food industry in Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. The production process also represents a progressive step towards environmental protection. This material allows us to reduce our carbon footprint (6 times less), save water (up to 10 liters) and achieve energy efficiency (7 megajoules or approximately 200 smartphone charges) compared to calfskin strap production. Apples are grown in Europe and their waste is collected here. The material production site is located in Italy, and the strap manufacturer is located in Portugal. The assembly of the watch takes place in Switzerland.
Tank Louis Cartier
Although the adventure that started in 1917 has appeared in dozens of different forms until today, each Tank version is known for continuing its unconditional commitment to the original model. Being aware of the importance and potential of the design he brought to life, in 1922, Louis Cartier set out again to improve the model's design. The rectangular case got taller, the parallel lines got tapered, and the edges got smoother. A new classic is born from timeless design refined in the hands of Louis Cartier; Tank L.C. (Louis Cartier). A railway-style minute scale accompanies the Roman numeral markers. The cabochon-cut sapphire on the winding crown takes its place among the symbol details of the brand. The model, which has taken its place among the iconic designs of luxury watchmaking, is once again presented to its enthusiasts with exclusive nuances processed with the unique experience of Cartier.
The new Louis Cartier Tank carries the blue and red tones that are ingrained in the brand's DNA to the present day. Cartier emphasizes the graphic intensity of the dial by adding sophisticated details such as Roman numerals and a gold railway-style scale to these two new editions. The blue version comes with a rose gold theme, while the red version comes with a yellow gold theme, the unchanging symbol of luxury and prestige.
Not forgetting its debt of loyalty to its glorious past, Cartier underlines the importance of tradition with the hand-wound Caliber 1917 MC movement designed to bring new models to life.
Today, Cartier Tank is among the true icons of the watch world with a history of more than a century. The product group, which has a special place among the timeless designs of luxury watchmaking, maintains its position among the first choices of watch lovers who want to experience quality and brand awareness with a design that has stood for a century, regardless of gender.
To review Cartier Tank Must, Tank Louis Cartier, and much more, we invite you to visit the www.arte.ist website and Arte Boutiques located in İstinye Park Istanbul or Yalıkavak Marina Bodrum/Muğla. Arte Boutiques, which are among the milestones of multi-brand retail in luxury shopping in our country, promise you a unique luxury watch shopping experience with comfortable environments, different brand alternatives, and a wide product inventory.
