Description

A coveted trip back in time

The original Tank wristwatch was Louis Cartier’s masterpiece in 1917 during World War I. Featuring high utilitarian value, the piece relates to today’s contemporary era too.

Eventually, the Cartier Tank à Guichets was brought to the market in 1928 as a limited edition timepiece. It was so coveted back in the day, that a famous Duke and the Maharaja of Patiala were some of its patrons. Duke Ellington swore by this watch for several years and always associated a plethora of sentimental emotions with it. As Cartier’s first jump hour watch in the market, coupled with wandering minutes, it’s little wonder why he felt this way.

As an homage to the premier timepiece of the 1920s, the Tank à Guichets came back once on Cartier’s 150th anniversary in 1997 in a limited run of 150 pieces with a platinum case.

The current watch however is from the 2005 release of an even more limited 100 pieces, this time fashioned in pink gold. As such, and as a part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, it has maintained a reputation of one of the most sought after and scarce watches, especially in ‘La Maison”, and a spellbinding treat for collectors all over. Showcasing a ruby-set crown, bypassing sapphire, the timepiece is powered by Piaget’s wind movement, caliber 9752MC.

Uniquely crafted, even for its era, the watch’s minute disc constantly runs, and after a full round, the hour aperture leaps forward by itself. Not for lovers of frills and decoration, the wristwatch is rugged, sturdy, and whimsically masculine. Each time display window is clear yet small, engraved within the closed dial.

Cartier – Bio

Founded by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, the house of Cartier is the luxury jewellers by reference in France.
Jewellers of the royal family and their prominent entourage, they quickly acquired fame in Europe. Later Louis Cartier gave a second life to old watchmaking traditions with pieces like the mystery clocks, gem-set watches and other flamboyant pieces.

One of their iconic models called the Santos was made in 1904 for his friend and client the aviator from Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont.   Followed by other successful models like the Tonneau in 1906, the Tortue in 1912 and the famous Tank in 1919 to mention few. The brand stayed in the family until 1964 and is now owned by a Swiss watch group.