Simplistic and elegant, it is the pinnacle of french watchmaking brought forth by the most prominent jeweler of the century. Oct 02, 2009 placed without ceremony into the windows of cartiers paris salon in 191990 years agothis wristwatch instantly took its place in history as an icon, a symbol, and a standard for modern design. As the cartier tank passes its first centenary, we take a look back at the dynamic and surprising history of one of the worlds most. Throughout the history of the company, cartier has launched several remarkable models, including the santos, the tank, and the. It is a neverending dialogue between its creation and technique with movement and life at the heart of the maisons creations. Its the tank s 100th birthday, and you knew all along that cartier was going to celebrate in a big way. Nov 17, 2015 but cartier watches also display a passion for technology and innovation. The tank watch, designed by louis cartier in 1917, is an icon of modern timepiece design. That radical design makes its return in 2020 with limited edition models both in standard and skeleton guise. Jan 08, 2015 cartiers tank watch may have been inspired by military history but its subtly feminine sophistication has seen it grace the wrists of some of the worlds most stylish women despite the feminine lines of the latest incarnation of the tank watch, its origins lie in the military. Cartier has managed to create one of the finest timepieces in. The untold story of the family behind the jewelry empire. The company maintains its headquarters in paris, although it has been a wholly owned subsidiary.
It was conceived in 1917, reaching what you could call the definitive production version around 1919, with a model visually indistinguishable from current offerings. Cartier watches cartier, as part of the richemont group, could easily refer to themselves as jewelers first, and watchmakers second. The tank watch was first introduced in 1917, hence this years centenary celebration. The design of the tank louis cartier remains very close to that of the original tank from 1917. In 2017 we got the introduction of the stainless steel tank americaine, and in 2018 we got the introduction of an entirely redesigned santos collection. Sep 11, 2017 its the tank s 100th birthday, and you knew all along that cartier was going to celebrate in a big way. Franco cologni, writer and historian, is the author of numerous books on the history of watch making and jewelry, including the cartier collection.
Cartier lady watches are available in solo tempo with quartz movement only. But cartier watches also display a passion for technology and innovation. The untold story of the family behind the jewelry empire kindle edition by cartier brickell, francesca. With the help of our watchtime colleagues, here is the history. Sep 01, 2017 the cartier tank, one of the first widelyavailable luxury unisex watches, is 100 years old. If you are considering selling your cartier watch, please contact us for more information and we can assist you with the entire process. Over the years, it has built up the necessary resources to become a legitimate manufacture, capable of designing and manufacturing its watches and all. Eric sauvage is a prominent luxury and lifestyle photographer. At 100, the cartier tank transcends time the new york times. The tank louis cartier, for the most part, keeps to the original spirit of the tank watch. Rudolph valentino wore his on screen rather anachronistically in the son of. In 1918, louis cartier handed over the first copies a rectangular watch called tank to the american general john joseph pershing and some of his officers at least, thats what the legend said. Cartier ladies santos 100 automatic wm503251 preowned membersonly pricing cartier ladies tank francaise quartz we1019s3 preowned.
Cartier tank anglaise cartier presented a new version of the tank in 2012. This free downloadable feature from watchtime magazine introduces you to the 23 most important milestones in the history of the cartier watch. Coveted by men and women, all cartier tank watches have clean, crisp lines with a freespirited design. The cartier tank turning 100 years old in 2017 also makes it timely to revisit its story that is a big part of the watch we are looking at today. Since its inception in 1917, the cartier tank has become an iconic luxury watch and has been produced longer than most models. For cartier, what is most important in its savoirfaire is the link between the know and the how. Vintage cartier watches the jeweler of kings touch of. This handsome monograph charts the evolution of one of the most coveted items of modern style, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of the house of cartier. Ive specifically decided to not include a long discussion of the history of the tank watch including the various potential sources of the name.
Official cartier websites the renowned french jeweller. Dec 18, 2015 the cartier tank watch is a marvel of fine watchmaking. According to company lore, the tank was designed by louis cartier, the founders grandson, after being inspired by the tread of a renault ft17 light tank, a mechanical hero of the great war. For cartier, the important part of savoirfaire is the hyphen.
In this article, we want to look at what exactly the cartier tank solo xl offers in terms of value, history, horological interest, style, and that more vague quality that is cartier essence. Get your kindle here, or download a free kindle reading app. Cartier womens w51007q4 tank francaise stainless steel and 18k gold. From jewellery to watchmaking, its the toandfro between creation and technique that introduces movement and life at the heart of the maisons creations. The cartier tank watch style et design langue anglaise cologni, franco on. In 1917, maison cartier donated to the courageous commanderinchief of the american troops, general pershing, a prototype of his new timepiece, grateful for the liberation of france. The cartier tank watch style et design langue anglaise.
Cartier tank all prices for cartier tank watches on chrono24. Plenty happened with cartier and the tank during the middle part of the twentieth century, and the stack of books i have next to me as i write this is proof that trying to give you an exhaustive history of every tank variation and every little bit of apocrypha here would be a lost cause. Buy and sell cartier tank watches on stockx, the live marketplace for buying and selling preowned cartier watches in excellent condition that are guaranteed authentic by a team of master watchmakers. Download this free article and expand your knowledge of cartier watch history with this comprehensive collection of 23 historic cartier. The tank was introduced in 1918, and entered full production in 1919, when a total of six pieces were built. Sep 27, 2015 the tank louis cartier, for the most part, keeps to the original spirit of the tank watch. The cartier tank francaise watch, introduced in 1917 during the first world war, was cartier s most famous collection. Louis cartier was inspired by the tough new war machine the americans introduced to the fighting in europe, the tank, to design a rugged yet beautiful watch that became a classic. The tanks recent history ties in with cartiers industrial development and vertical integration, led by compagnie financiere richemont cartier was consolidated within the group in 1988. Five cantmiss cartier stories from a decade of hodinkee.
Cartier expert george cramer talks about the tank louis cartier. The cartier tank watch celebrates its 100th anniversary forbes. This collection transmits strength and power for people with a vigorous spirit. Timeless style written by franco cologni, photographed by eric sauvage. Created in 1917 by louis cartier, this watch collection has become a legend that has inspired countless variations. The santos was promoted to show that the adventurous gentleman was wearing a wristwatch in all elements of his life. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Qp and posted in watch history, style features, watches. It was created by louis cartier in 1917, and inspired by the new renault tanks which cartier saw in use on the western front. As the iconic tank watch turns 100, cartier releases six. With the tank anglaise watches for men and women, the cartier tank story takes an interesting turn. The cartier tank watch is a marvel of fine watchmaking. The cartier tank might just be the most recognizable wristwatch of all time.
Cartier tank francaise 18k yellow gold roman dial 25mm ladies watch 1821. Download premium images you cant get anywhere else. War, and its true that frances zippy little twoman renault ft17 light tank was first. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the cartiers. The manufacturer offers this timepiece in yellow, white, and pink gold paired with a leather strap. The naming convention was adopted to make a distinction with the tank louis cartier, which offered more rounded edges from 1922 onward. The first prototype was presented as a gift to general pershing.
Rarely are jewelers capable of producing such a refined timepiece that critics and collectors revere. The history of the timepiece is closely linked to the history of the first world war. The cartier tank turning 100 years old in 2017 also makes it timely to revisit its story that. Originally sold by royal warrant to the royal courts of spain, russia, and egypt, cartier has since created lines of watches that can be worn every day, whether youre in a throne room or your corner office. Cartiers tank, beaten only by its stable mate the santos for sheer longevity, was sonamed because its shape resembled the footprint of a wwi armoured vehicle. A history of curved tanks an extremely early cartier tank from 1920. The tank normale is nothing more than its name suggest. Prices for cartier tank watches prices for tank watches. In 1874, louisfrancois son alfred cartier took over the company, but it was alfreds sons louis, pierre and jacques who established the brand name worldwide. This ralph lauren cartier tank has an incredible andy. On chrono24 youll find prices for 990 cartier tank watches and can then buy one of the luxury watches at a bargain price. The cartier tank, one of the first widelyavailable luxury unisex watches, is 100 years old. Cartier tank francaise white gold blue dial diamond ladies watch 2403 stock number. In 1919, the parisian designer louis cartier was inspired by tanks which appeared in the first world war to market one of his flagship models.
Ive specifically decided to not include a long discussion of the history of the tank. This ralph lauren cartier tank has an incredible andy warhol. Over the last few years, cartier has done a great job looking at its history and reinterpreting classics. Cartier has divided the tank into several different collections. The prototype watch was presented by cartier to general john pershing of the american expeditionary force the tank was introduced in 1918, and entered full production in 1919, when a total of six pieces were built. Find highquality cartier tank stock photos and editorial news pictures from getty images. The prototype watch was presented by cartier to general john pershing of the american expeditionary force. Endowed with a design that has remained practically intact for a century, we take a look at how the tenacious cartier tank watch was conceived and how louis cartier. W5100 embodies the strongest legacy in relation to the original model but is reinterpreted with fresh and modern lines and an overall streamlined design. Today were finally seeing the new models released for the centenary, and there is a pretty. The tank americaine is a classic of the cartier watches.
Cartier s tank, beaten only by its stable mate the santos for sheer longevity, was sonamed because its shape resembled the footprint of a. Gender neutral luxury goods are becoming an important area of focus for traditional brands. As the iconic tank watch turns 100, cartier releases six new. Introduced in 1917, it has been presented in various editions and shapes but remained a classic among the classics, a timeless watch that defines what elegance is. Aug 17, 2017 we look back at the history of an icon as cartier celebrates the centenary of its trailblazing tank watch. This variation of the distinctive features of the tank watch is in perfect alignment with the original, thanks to a winding mechanism that is seamlessly incorporated into the case. Cartier womens w5200004 tank solo 18kt yellow gold case watch 5. While it was historical not exactly correct to release these xl models in pink. This can be attributed to their large line of rings, necklaces, purses and charms that carry the same characteristics as their watches. And furthermore, it is certainly the most emblematic edition of the famous french manufacture. Louisfrancois cartier founded cartier in paris, france in 1847 when he took over the workshop of his master, adolphe picard. The cartier symbol is the mysterious panther, which was granted center stage in the panthere collection. Called the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers by king edward vii of england, cartier has always been a favorite of those in the know.
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