From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: the Cartier Tank family, and
its different watch models.
Introduced in 1917, the Cartier Tank was the watch
to wear in the 20th century and remains an
icon today, more than 100 years after its
launch.
Apart from its classic looks, one can attribute
its longevity to the vast selection of styles
under the Cartier Tank family.
Varying in size, shape, metals, complications
and straps, the options seem virtually infinite
when it comes to the Cartier Tank.
And yet, each model possesses the elegantly
crisp and clean look that the Tank has become
known and coveted for.
Get to know different types of Cartier Tank
watches, from classic models to rare and obscure
styles.
The Cartier Tank Louis is considered the
quintessential Tank — the one that set
the standard for all succeeding Cartier Tank
designs.
The Cartier Tank Louis, as its name suggests,
was the choice timepiece of Louis Cartier
himself. Designed in 1922, it transformed
the sharp and proud lines of the initial Tank
watches into more serene proportions.
The Tank Louis is loved for its refined Art
Deco style: slightly elongated rectangular
case and dial, matched with slimmer, rounded
brancards, or vertical bars that run along
each side of the case, seamlessly integrating
the strap.
The Tank Louis Cartier is very much alive
today, remaining a well-balanced and accurate
extension of the original. Available in several
sizes, from small to XL, it’s a watch ideal
for both men and women.
Following the Tank Louis, Cartier launched
Tank models that are more unusual but are
still refined and easy to wear. Two of these
models – the Cartier Tank Obus and Cartier
Tank à Guichet (ah gee shay), would later
be relaunched for a short period.
The Cartier Tank Obus first appeared in 1923.
Characterized by a square case, bullet lugs,
and a busier dial with both Roman and Arabic
numerals – it’s definitely not your average
Tank. The last Tank Obus was released in 1998
for the Collection Privée Cartier Paris
series.
In 1928, Cartier launched its first jumping
hour wristwatch – the Tank à Guichet.
Instead of an analog display, it had two
windows that show the hour and the minutes,
much like a mechanical digital watch.
The Tank à Guichet was revived in 1997 to
commemorate Cartier’s 150th anniversary,
and was last produced in 2005.
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In 1989, Cartier’s designers set out to
create a Tank model influenced by American
culture. The result was the elongated and
curved Tank Americaine (ameri-kahn).
The Cartier Tank Americaine is reminiscent
of the slim Tank Cintrée (sin-tray) of the
1920s, this time with a more pronounced curve,
which is meant to fit the wrist more comfortably.
Earlier versions of the Tank Americaine were
only offered in precious materials such as
yellow, rose, and white gold, as well as
platinum. In 2017, for the Cartier Tank’s
100th anniversary, Cartier finally presented
more affordable stainless steel versions of
the Tank Americaine.
In 1995, Cartier unveiled a sporty take on
the classic Tank – the Cartier Tank Francaise
(fran-say).  Positioned to appeal to the
modern watch buyer, the Tank Française watch
was sportier thanks to its chain-link bracelet.
Much like the original Tank watches, Cartier
drew inspiration from Renault military tanks, by
designing the chain-link bracelet to mimic caterpillar
tracks. The Tank Francaise also has sharper
edges and straighter lines than previous Tank
models, giving it a contemporary look.
The earliest Tank Francaise models were available
in yellow gold, and two-tone steel and gold,
but one year later, Cartier introduced full
stainless steel Tank Française watches—the
first full steel Tank watches ever made. It
became a hit, and the Tank Francaise continues
to be a mainstay of the Tank collection.
Following the American and French Tanks, Cartier
launched an English version, to complete the
tribute to its 3 flagship stores. Released
in 2012, the Cartier Tank Anglaise (ang-glaze)
is the latest line of Tank watches with designs
for both men and women.
Two major changes were made with the Anglaise
– first is the curved case, which moves
away from the rectilinear shape of the original
Tank and softens the look of the timepiece.
Second is the table cut stone in place of
the classic cabochon used in classic Tank
watches. Additionally, the crown is also enclosed
within the bezel -- a feature that’s novel
not just for Cartier but for watch design
in general.
The latest Cartier Tank model to be released
is the Tank MC. In keeping with the preference
for larger watches, Cartier launched it as
a men’s model in 2013.
The watch maintains Cartier’s iconic design
DNA, but with a masculine edge. The larger
display allows for the inclusion of a smaller
seconds display and a date feature on top
of the classic “rail-track” dial.
The “MC” stands for Manufacture Cartier,
as the watch is powered by the first self-winding
movement produced by Cartier Manufacture,
the 1904 (nineteen oh four) MC.
With different kinds of models to offer, and
updates every few years, the century old Cartier
Tank is as fresh today, as it was when it
launched over 100 years ago.
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