9 Marvelous and Splendid Cartier Tank Timepieces

Louis Cartier was inspired by the clarity of the line to develop a new watch shape based on an aerial perspective of a fighting vehicle. The Cartier Tank adheres to this exact design approach, with the brancards serving as the tracks and the case serving as the turret. The layout of the case connectors in line with the strap and unison with the rhythm of the pattern resulted in an unprecedented practical principle.

This iconic timepiece was and still is an emblem of subtle beauty, attracting the world’s most perceptive minds. It was modeled after the shape of tanks on the battleground of WWI. Tank’s intriguing and sophisticated design draws titans in their own right, women and men of substance.

• Tank Française WGTA0029

The first Cartier Tank watch in the selection is the Tank Française WGTA0029 that comes in an 18K rose gold case that is powered by a quartz movement. The 25 mm x 20 mm case is adorned by an 18K rose gold octagonal crown set with a sapphire cabochon, sapphire crystal, silvered dial, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and features a 30m water resistance and 18K rose gold bracelet.

The Tank Française has modernized the wristwatch’s history with a chain-link bracelet. The curved case, proudly situated at the core of the bracelet to flawlessly mirror its lines, ushers in a new Tank family with the same contemporary design approach.

• Tank Louis Cartier W1529756

The W1529756 is a large model of Tank watches that is powered by a quartz movement and comes in an 18K yellow gold case. The 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm case is enhanced by a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, alligator-skin strap with 18K yellow gold ardillon buckle, mineral crystal, silver-grained dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, calendar aperture at 3 o’clock, and 30m water resistance.

The “Tank Louis Cartier” timepiece, as sported by Louis Cartier personally, sets the benchmark for all pieces. The tops of the lugs were rounded to represent Louis Cartier’s commitment to a new design, subsequently known as Art Deco, in contradiction to the previous trendy rectangular design and prominent lines.

•  Tank Must de Cartier WSTA0041

The WSTA0041 is a large model of Tank watch powered by a high autonomy quartz movement and comes in a steel case with 30 m water resistance. The 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm case is enhanced by a beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, interchangeable black grained calfskin strap with steel ardillon buckle, silvered dial, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands.

In 1917, Louis Cartier invented the watch, and so a legend was born. The prototype was given to General Pershing as a gift several years before the timepiece was released to the public in 1919. The lugs flow perfectly into the bare edges of the flat vertical brancards, lending the watch its distinct appearance. The clean, sharp lines have been a big hit with a free-spirited, stylish clientele. The now-iconic watch has spawned innumerable versions while retaining its uniqueness.

• Tank Américaine WB710015

The WB710015 is a mini model of the Américaine line that is powered by a quartz movement and comes in a Rhodiumized 18K white gold case set with brilliant-cut diamonds and is 30m water-resistant. The 27 mm x 15.2 mm case is adorned by an octagonal crown decorated with a brilliant-cut diamond, blued-steel sword-shaped hands in the silvered flinqué dial, sapphire crystal, and shiny fuchsia-pink alligator skin bracelet with a rhodiumized 18K white gold adjustable folding buckle.

The timepiece has a longer casing with a sharper curve than the original edition. It modifies the geometry of the lines in a creative way, keeping the rectangular form while varying between round edges and angles. The incredibly gorgeous watch is intended for the most discerning of watch collectors.

• Tank Française WGTA0031

Tank Française WGTA0031is a small model from the line that is powered by a quartz movement and comes in an 18K yellow gold case with 30 m water resistance. The 25 mm x 20 mm case features an 18K yellow gold octagonal crown set with a sapphire cabochon, blued-steel sword-shaped hands in the silvered dial, 18K yellow gold bracelet, and sapphire crystal.

• Tank Louis Cartier WGTA0011

The WGTA0011 is a large model from the line that is powered by a manufactured mechanical movement with manual winding, equipped with caliber 8971 MC, and comes in an 18K rose gold. The 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm case features a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, mineral crystal, silvered beaded dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands, semi-matte brown alligator-skin strap with 18K rose gold ardillon buckle, and 30m water resistance.

• Tank Must de Cartier WSTA0051

The WSTA0051 is a small model that is powered by a high autonomy quartz movement and comes in a steel case with 30m water resistance. The 29.5 mm x 22 mm case is attributed to a silvered dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands, a beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, and an interchangeable steel bracelet.

• Tank Américaine W2607456

The W2607456 is powered by a quartz movement and comes in an 18K rose gold case and 30m water resistance. The 34.8 mm x 19 mm case is characterized by an 8-sided crown set with a faceted sapphire, alligator-skin strap with 18K rose gold ardillon buckle, mineral crystal, and a silver-grained dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands.

•  Tank Française W51007Q4

The W51007Q4 is powered by a quartz movement and comes in a steel case and 30m water resistance. The 25 mm x 20 mm case is adorned by a yellow gold octagonal crown set with a synthetic cabochon spinel, gold and steel bracelet, sapphire crystal, and silver-grained dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands.

Final Thoughts

Cartier’s rectangular Tank watch exemplifies modern elegance combined with inventiveness. This adaptable form has been popularized by the likes of Princess Diana of Wales and General John Pershing, but The Tank’s reputation is undoubtedly aided by its several variations, all of which convey a sense of severity and competence. Its down-to-earth square casing and legible Roman numerals make it ideal for a businesslike.