Here we are with all types of Cartier Tank, the timeless classic design, and the master of angular case watches.
I believe we are safe to say that the "Tank" is one of jewelry designer Louis Cartier's greatest gifts to the world of watchmaking. The story of the Tank series, which has become one of the most influential designs in the world of luxury watches with its angular form, dates back to World War I. The model, inspired by the track and body structure of the French-made Renault FT-17 tanks, is called Tank.
Tank Normale is the first model to officially bear the Tank name. The first example of the watch, introduced in 1919, was given as a gift to American General John Pershing. Designed by Louis Cartier himself, the watch displays a masculine appearance with its angular dial.
Tank Louis, also known as Tank No.1, a watch gifted to King George V, goes down in history as Louis Cartier's Tank with more refined and elegant lines. Today, the Tank Louis model attracts the attention of every watch lover, regardless of gender, with its rounded lines.
Tank Cintree was introduced in 1921. The curved structure of the thin and long case creates a revolutionary effect for those years. Louis Cartier gets help from his close friend Edmond Jaeger for the manual winding caliber that he can put into this special case form.
Tank Chinoise was introduced in 1922. Designed with inspiration from Asian and especially Chinese culture, the case features special details above and below the dial, resembling the belts in Chinese temples.
Tank Obus was introduced in 1923. Unlike the Tank models introduced until then, the model has a square-shaped dial opening and its lug structure attracts attention with its characteristic design. The structure, which resembles two bullets placed back to back, is known as one of the most distinctive Cartier models.
Tank a Guichet is my personal favorite, the first version of the rectangular watch that I would love to buy as soon as the new one is produced was introduced in 1928. Equipped with a Jump Hour caliber, the model shows the time through two windows on the dial completely covered with metal.
Tank Etanche was produced in 1931 upon the order of the Pasha of Marrakesh for a waterproof Tank that he wanted to use while swimming. Thus, the first rectangular watch with a water-resistant case was introduced to the world of horology.
Tank Basculante was introduced in 1932, one year after the JLC Reverso, the first watch with a rotating case. Unlike it, the model, which has a 360-degree rotating inner case that moves on a vertical axis instead of horizontally, is known as one of the most extraordinary forms in the world of watches.
Tank Monopussoir was introduced in 1935. The round caliber fitted into the rectangular case marks the beginning of the complicated Tank era, thanks to its single-button controlled chronograph feature.
Tank Asymetrique was introduced to watch lovers in 1936. The model, also known as Tank Oblique, still manages to attract attention with its unique appearance and as one of the rarest Tank models.
Tank Must was released in 1977, during the quartz crisis. Watches equipped with battery-powered calibers, with their colorful dials, achieve a great sales performance that continues today. The first Tank Must models were released with gold-plated silver cases instead of gold and platinum to keep costs low.
Tank Americaine was introduced in 1989. Introduced as a modern interpretation of Cintree with its long and curved case, the watches are met with appreciation beyond expectations.
Tank Française was released in 1996. Inspired by the original Tank design, the model displays a more sporty and durable appearance. Watches complete with bracelets appeal to Cartier enthusiasts who are looking for a younger and more dynamic watch.
Tank a Vis was introduced in 2001. Designed with inspiration from the Etanche model, the new model displays an unusual Tank appearance with its strong lines.
Tank Divan was introduced in 2002. Unlike the Tank models introduced until then, the Divan has a different appearance with its wide and short case.
Tank Solo was referred to as the entry-level Tank when it was introduced in 2004. Models with stainless steel cases and battery-operated calibers aim to continue the spirit of Tank Louis with updated details.
Tank Anglaise was introduced in 2012 with stainless steel, gold, and platinum case options. Anglaise models, designed as women's watches, have a different place within the entire Tank collection with the details on the case that make the watch larger.
In 2013, Tank MC introduced its model, which it describes as the most masculine design of the series. The model named “Manufacture Cartier” houses the 1904 MC, the caliber produced in-house by the brand, in its wide body.
