Getting To Know A Bit More About The Cartier Tank

Cartier has long been the symbol of beauty and elegance in the luxury goods business. What started as a venture in the jewellery business has today turned into a multi-faceted business that operates in several luxury goods domains. Cartier is a master of sumptuousness and extravagance, as can be clearly seen in its products. From jewels to watches, to accessories, Cartier is present everywhere with items of excellence in every field. This kind of mastery does not happen overnight. It takes a good odd amount of years to master a craft, the way Cartier has done.

Its watchmaking wing started way back in the late 19th century. In 1904, Louis Cartier made the Cartier Santos that took the world by storm as it was the first-ever men’s wristwatch ever created. This was followed up by the Cartier Tank in 1917. The history of the brand is rich and that cannot be denied.

If we discuss the watchmaker’s best designs, the Tank will surely make an appearance. Not to forget that it is also the brand’s most popular watch to date. The Tank has played a special role in Cartier’s success and eventual global presence. It would be safe to say that at the time of its release, even CartierTank Louis would not have anticipated the success that the watch would enjoy in the future. Let’s dive in a little deeper and check out some facts about Cartier Tank.

Created In The Image Of Tanks

Hard to believe, right? But this is absolutely true. As the legend tells us, the watch was created in the honour of the magnificent battle tanks used in the First World War by France and England. At that time, owning tanks was a privilege and not many armies had actual tanks on the battlegrounds. When Louis Cartier saw these tanks in action, he was inspired. This led him to create the Tank Louis Cartier in 1917.

Celebrated The Allied Powers

Cartier has always been a supporter of the Allied Powers and to show this support, the brand launched three different versions of the Tank. These were the Cartier Tank Francaise, Anglaise, and Americaine.

Worn By Royalty

A brand like Cartier is, of course, familiar with royalty. Since its days as a jeweller, it was given the title of ‘The jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers'. Its watches, especially the Tank has been seen on the wrists of personalities such as Princess Diana at numerous occasions.

The world of watchmaking is bigger than what people perceive it to be. Given the case, claiming to be the number 2 player in the business is a pretty bold move, or perhaps not, if your name is Cartier.

Cartier Tank: A Short Stroll Through History

Cartier has been in the luxury goods industry longer than most of its counterparts. Through years of work and persistence, the brand has established itself as a stalwart in the business. Cartier started off as a jeweller and soon began its watchmaking business. Before anyone knew, it ended up making the first men’s wristwatch ever known. And not for a second think that Cartier left any stones unturned. In an era where marketing was still an idea yet to be born, Cartier made globally renowned inventor/aviator Alberto Santos Dumont endorse its watch.

The watch we will be pondering upon here today, however, is the Cartier Tank. The most successful watch in the history of the brand is the way it is for a reason. The watch exudes class beyond measure. In addition to that, it is widely characterized as a unisex watch. Not that it really matters in the times we live today. You know, feminism and stuff.

Over the years, Cartier has had various versions of the Tank made. Most of these gems made an impact in the Haute Horlogerie industry, while some attained legendary statuses.

Origins

The Cartier Tank saw the light in 1917 when the idea of a watch that celebrated the formidable war machines from the First World War came to mind. The first tank was a simple yet classy rectangular watch with a leather strap. It had nothing fancy about it, and perhaps that is what made it so appealing. Today, one of the most sought after Tank timepieces is the Cartier Tank Anglaise. It is different in many ways than its ancestor, but somewhere down the line it still radiates the same energy.

Popularity

The watch has experienced unprecedented popularity since its inception. There is no particular reason for it, except for the fact that it belongs to a ‘Maison’ that is known for its excellence in luxury goods. For instance, when Tank Americaine was launched, the collection already had a stern grip on the markets. The Cartier Tank MC is another fine example of what the horologist is capable of. The watch was the first Tank reference to be delivered with a manufacture calibre.

Surviving The Quartz Crisis

When the oppression from the East started affecting manufacturers in Switzerland, there seemed no way out. Despite the fightback, it took a good couple of decades for the Swiss watch markets to return to their long lost glory. One brand, however, had different ideas. We all know Cartier also has a background in jewels, which obviously did help it out during this period of turmoil. The other reason for its survival was the ability adapt. The result was the Cartier Tank Solo, a Quartz powered watch that was launched in 2004.

Business is usually a tricky task and determining one’s future is near to impossible. Nevertheless, as it seems, Cartier has done the impossible. It has not only cemented itself in the industry but has managed to do it at the very top.

What Separates The Cartier Tank From The Rest?

In the world of luxury watches, Cartier holds a special place. The brand has always represented the finest of Haute Horlogerie in the industry. Some of the most glorious watch families in the industry belong to this French origin Swiss watchmaker. One of these families is called the Cartier Tank, which is also the topic for this discussion. The Tank was conceived in 1917 and then presented to the public in 1918. However, it was not until 1919 that the Tank achieved a full-fledged production. Surprisingly, only six pieces were built that year.

But what makes this vintage looking mechanical watch so unique? Let us find out.

Inspired By Military Tanks

The watch was a product of the inspiration that Louis Cartier got from tanks used in the First World War. You need to understand that the Great War was a completely different time. Tanks were a privilege and not many people actually saw a tank in action. So, the awe from viewing one of the tanks in person is understandable. The shape of the Cartier Tank is exactly like that of the French and British tanks used between 1914 and 1919.

First Watch To Ever Work On the Style Factor

The Cartier Tank is special because out of all the watches in its era, it was the first one to highlight the importance of style in wristwatches. For instance, the use of leather straps in watches was a totally functional idea as it was seen as a way to hold the watch in place. This utilitarian approach was later changed by the introduction of fashion-forward leather straps. The same goes for the watch itself. Cartier did what was probably expected of it. It concocted fashion with form, and we have nothing to complain about. Thanks to Cartier watches for men, the timepieces we see today are the way they are. 

One Of The Most Re-Invented Watches

Cartier watches for women are known globally for their unapologetic beauty and grace. Now, the Cartier Tank is a different story altogether. The watch is one of the very few in history to be re-invented so many times. The watch was launched in 1919 and it is quite understandable that multiple renditions were bound to happen. Over the years, the watch has been relaunched in various forms. The most prominent ones are the Tank Americaine, the Tank Francaise, and the Tank Anglaise. Another mentionable version is the Tank Guichets which was launched in 1928. The timepiece only displayed the hours and the minutes in separate windows boxed inside a gold case with leather straps.

At the end of the day, the Cartier Tank watch is an ageless classic. It has been in constant production since the day it was unveiled to the public. Its popularity defied all odds and is somewhat mysterious. Despite the fading demand for vintage looking watches and the changing zeitgeist, the Tank has been able to hold its ground and maintain its image as one of the most desired watches in the world.

Watch Buying tips/ What to consider before buying your first / next watch

Buying a watch isn’t an easy task. It takes a lot of passionate research, effort and money to buy that ultimate accessory that truly epitomizes your character. It should blend with your personality yet be an exquisite and elegant timepiece that makes you stand out from the crowd.  A watch is unquestionably that fondest keep which signifies your style aesthetics and accompaniments your personality.

Making the right choice for the luxe timepieces from a sea collection of chronometers and a myriad of brands and styles consumes a lot of effort on the part of the buyer with extraordinary watch brands like Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Tag Heuer and the like doing the rounds in the market. This truly exhibits the changing tastes and preferences of the Indian Population. The concept of luxury is now lying within a bigger bracket that encompasses the rising high earning middle class.

Excellence, luxury, differentiation in brand, brand image and perception, scientific fluency, sophistication and innovation are certain determining factors that influence the buying decision regarding a premium quality timepiece. Once you have decided on which brand to go for there are other specifications as well. Read below to get significant insights in buying that prized possession for your wrist:

 Differentiate Between

1. Formal and Sporty/Casual watches (Sporty is the trend these days)

 Formal Brands- Jaeger LeCoultre, Cartier, Rolex, Omega

Sporty brands- Tag Heuer, Breitling, Hublot

2. Automatic & Quartz watches

3. In-House movement and outsourced movement(generally used in most of the watch industry)

Outsourced movement used is ETA movement which is part of Swatch group.

ETA is supplied to 50-60% of watch industry

4. Steel, steel&gold and All Gold

5. Size of the watch (personal preference but big sizes are in)