The "Tank" from Cartier makes gains

The "Tank" from Cartier makes gains

In its more than 100-year history, the "Tank" from Cartier has always shown its changeable side - and yet has always remained true to itself. This also applies to the latest newcomer: the latest interpretation of the "Tank Louis Cartier" - with a larger format and equipped with an automatic movement.

Shortly after its launch in 1917, the brand, which is now part of Richemont, introduced new interpretations that played with different shapes, sizes, materials and dials. What they all have in common are the two parallel side bars.

These included the "Tank Cintrée", the "Tank Chinoise", the "Tank Asymétrique", the "Tank Américaine", the "Tank Française" and the "Tank Must Solarbeat", which first appeared in 2021. The eponymous SolarBeat quartz movement draws its energy from solar cells under the perforated dial.

The "Tank Louis Cartier", presented in 1922, is particularly noteworthy. Although it is closely modelled on the original "Tank" - the so-called "Tank Normale" - it significantly changed the shape of the original version.

The housing is longer, the side bars are narrower and the edges are softer.

"The first 'Tank' designed by Louis Cartier in 1917 was characterised by an exceptionally strict geometry for its time," explains Pierre Rainero (Director of Image, Style and Heritage at Cartier).

"The elegance and naturalness of its clear design have enabled the 'Tank Louis Cartier' to endure the century with remarkable ease as a timeless icon".

Cartier enlarges and mechanises the "Tank Louis Cartier"

At Watches & Wonders 2025, Cartier presented an enlarged version of the "Tank Louis Cartier", which is powered by the new generation 1899 MC self-winding manufacture movement. The case measures 38.1 x 27.75 mm and is available in 750 yellow and 750 pink.

It is also adorned with the characteristic "Tank" features: Rail decoration, Roman numerals, parallel side bars, sword-shaped blued hands and a bevelled winding crown, which is set with a cabochon-cut sapphire or ruby or a reverse-cut diamond, depending on the model. In the case of the new "Tank Louis Cartier, a sapphire cabochon adorns the crown.

(RRP € 16,000)