How Cartier Pays Homage to WW1 With Their Watch "The Tank"

The Tank is one of the most popular mens Cartier watch lines. It first came out in 1917. However, it quickly became part of the brand's signature lineup.

In the 100-plus years since its inception, the Tank has seen subtle redesigns and multiple iterations to appeal to modern wearers. However, its unique source of inspiration is still evident in every model. Believe it or not, the Tank watch pays homage to a French machine of war.

The Tank's Inspiration

Louis Cartier, the founder of Cartier, created the first tank as an homage to the Renault FT-17. The French utilized the war tank in World War 1.

While an unorthodox source of inspiration, the Renault FT-17 was an innovative piece of machinery at the time. It was one of the first tanks to house its weapons in a rotatable turret.

The Renault was also small and boxy. It had sleek lines that were a significant departure from other military equipment at the time.

The Birth of the Tank

The inspiration is clear as day. The Tank watch is rectangular and has sleek aesthetics throughout. It has a distinctly modern look, whether paired with a leather bracelet or an all-metal strap. Like most Cartier watches, it also has the signature blue sapphire on the crown.

At the time of its release, most luxury watches were rounded. The Tank was something different that immediately captured the attention of men and women everywhere.

The first Tank went to United States General John Pershing in 1918. Cartier then made a total of six tank watches for its debut on the public market in 1919.

Production ramped up in the following years as the Tank's popularity grew. Thanks to appearances in movies and its adoption by celebrities, the Tank quickly became the must-have timepiece.

Modern Tank Watches

Even today, the Tank is a sought-after mens Cartier watch. The newer designs are beautifully made and still maintain that Renault-inspired boxy design. However, Cartier produces many iterations at varying price points. As a result, finding a watch for your needs is a breeze!

Read a similar article about preowned sports watches here at this page.

Top 5 Cartier Watches for Women

Cartier is a brand name synonymous with opulent luxury and impeccable quality. Since 1847, Cartier has released some of the finest women's watches to grace the market.

While Cartier has a long history of iconic timepieces, here are some of the most breathtaking models ever created.

Panthere de Cartier

If this watch looks familiar, it's because it's a direct rival to Bvlgari's iconic Serpenti line. It features a lengthy bracelet of 18-karat gold that wraps around the wrist like a rope. Because of its unique bracelet, the Panthere de Cartier automatically stands out.

The face is small. However, the diamond embellishments on the crown ensure that the watch captures attention.

Tank Americaine

This delicate accessory is also made out of 18-karat gold. The bracelet features a unique scalloped design that mimics fish scales. It's also water-resistant down to three bars for good measure.

The square watch face has 48 brilliant-cut diamonds. As always, the signature blue steel hands add a nice pop of color.

Tank Louis Cartier

The Tank Louis Cartier is one of many in the Tank collection. This model is considered by many to be the "standard."

The watch case is 18-karat white gold. Forty diamonds adorn the square face. Meanwhile, a pink bracelet made of alligator skin adds a touch of simplistic elegance that rivals the in-your-face beauty of metal straps.

Cle de Cartier

Here's one of the more unique Cartier watches for women. It's a circular watch with a case made of rose gold. The larger case is perfectly balanced with a bracelet of purple alligator skin leather.

Inside the face, you'll see ten brilliant-cut diamonds. There's also an accent sapphire. This watch perfectly marries form and function, providing a distinct look that's different from the Cartier brand.

Baingoire

Last but not least, we have the Baingoire. First debuted in 1912, the design remains the same over a century later.

The watch uses 18-karat white gold throughout. It's also on the paneled bracelet. Surrounding the watch face is a halo of brilliant-cut diamonds that offer that signature touch of Cartier sparkle!

Read a similar article about diamond watch here at this page.