Lot 120

Cartier

Tank Française

A lady's timeless elegant classic wristwatch in near mint condition, with original box, operating instructions, original certificate and DVD

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This timeless, elegant classic wristwatch has all style elements that are typical for Cartier’s famous "Tank" watch: a square case with the bracelet seamlessly integrating into it, a crown with a single blue sapphire, a classic silvered dial with Roman numerals and blued hands. The secret Cartier signature is at "X".
The "Tank" was designed in 1917 by Louis Cartier and is the brand’s most famous model even today. Both name and design of the watch pay homage to the French Renault FT-17 tank used in the First World War, which was considered state-of-the-art at the time.
The clear lines of the watch were inspired by the modern design of the Renault - Cartier turned their back on the ornamental style that was popular at the time and the first "Tank" was launched in 1919. In the early 1920s the watch was already regarded as a sophisticated yet robust timepiece suitable for both men and women.
Cartier launched their new Tank Française in 1996 in Geneva; the watch featured a striking, newly designed bracelet. It was inspired by the track plates of a tank, in a gentler, more delicate form of course. Its ageless design ensures that the watch still maintains its fan base among VIPs such as Michelle Obama; other famous Tank wearers were Jacqueline Kennedy, Andy Warhol and Lady Di.