The Cartier Tank is a marvel of fine watchmaking. Simplistic and elegant, it is the pinnacle of French watchmaking brought forth by the most prominent jeweler of the century. Rarely are jewelers capable of producing such a refined timepiece that critics and collectors revere. Cartier has managed to create one of the finest timepieces in history and arguably, one of the most iconic. The Cartier Tank is unlike most luxury watches on the market. It is offered in a vast selection of styles and movements that enable it to be proffered at various price points capable of meeting almost every budget. The options seem virtually infinite as one can select from a range of precious metals, movements, and. Designed for the most elegant , it is, all things considered, a classic , capable of being paired harmoniously with everything from casual attire to. History of the Tank The Tank is a very historic timepiece that dates back to the early 1900s. Although there are many watchmakers that hung their shingle centuries ago, there are few that have continued to produce the same model for such a lengthy period. Louis Cartier designed the original Tank in the year 1917 as a gift for of the American Expeditionary Force two years before it hit the public marketplace. When creating the timepiece, Cartier drew inspiration from the Renault tanks that he saw on the Western Front. It was a novel creation because, unlike most timepieces of the day, it managed to seamlessly integrate the lugs into the vertical brancards of the casing. It was an instant classic due to its hard edges, crisp lines and clean aesthetic appeal. General John Pershing A year after presenting its prototype to General Pershing, Louis Cartier announced his newest timepiece and took it to market in early 1919 where a limited run of just six Tank watches were available for sale. The public interest grew and soon the Cartier Tank was the watch of royals. In 1921, Cartier introduced a second model called the Tank Cintrée which was the slimmest timepiece on the market with curves that were unheard of. By 1922, Cartier introduced yet another new model called the Tank Chinoise followed by the Tank Louis which proved to be equally popular. Not to be outdone by other watchmakers, Cartier introduced yet another collection in 1928 called the Tank a Guichets which was the first model without hands. Then came the odd Tank Obus one year later in mid-1929. In 1932, Cartier who often partnered with other experts including movement designers at LeCoultre created the Tank Basculante, which was designed in similar fashion to the and intended for use while. More and more collections were born over the years with a significant new model called the Tank Américaine collection introduced in 1989. Then, in 1996, Cartier announced yet another pinnacle of the current collection, this time, called the Tank Française. Unlike most watches that have been around for significant periods of history, the Tank has managed to maintain its unique appearance with every model focusing on the key features that identify the unique timepiece. Louis Cartier Tank Today, the Tank is sold around the world and has become one of the most renowned collector pieces amongst horology aficionados. Unlike many luxury timepieces, the watch is popular with all kinds of demographics including various royals, world leaders, military officers, celebrities, fashion designers and corporate tycoons. It is especially popular with the business community as well as the contemporary artist due to its clean lines and simplicity. Cartier Tank Anglaise Tank Anglaise The largest collection in the Cartier portfolio, the Tank Anglaise comes in seventeen different models, all of which are designed to the same principles in mind. The Anglaise is one of the most unique Tank collections because it offers a distinct variation of the features commonly found in the timepiece. It is a perfect recreation of the alignment of the very first Tank watch offered to the public in 1919. It is an artistic interpretation of the first Tank but with a contemporary twist that leaves you speechless in the very best of ways. The reason they manage to get the price so low is due to the Cartier 057 quartz movement inside the case. Cartier is one of the few luxury watchmakers to offer quartz timepieces which opens the brand up to a much larger customer base and allows them to be attainable by almost everyone. Of course, there is also the pinnacle of the collection; the Riviera whose price is only available upon request and application. Tank Louis Cartier A personal timepiece of the great , his namesake watch is the standard by which all Tank models are set. Quintessentially , it features rounded lugs as opposed to the vogue rectangular ones. Two of the models are classically inspired large and extra-large Tanks with the additional two models featuring skeleton cases allowing you to see the movement at work. The more expensive skeleton models are available in pink and white gold, respectively. Cartier Tank Américaine Tank Américaine Another four model collection, the Tank Américaine is known for its elongated case with a very striking curve that wraps around your wrist effortlessly. All of the models feature a that is always a nice feature in any timepiece. Cartier Tank Française in gold and steel Tank Française The Tank Française is a single model collection that brings a sportier and more modern appearance to a classically French timepiece. Featuring a yellow gold and steel chain-link bracelet instead of the more elegant leather straps, the Tank Française is a bolder statement that can be worn with business attire but should probably be reserved for a more casual outfit. Sticking to its more contemporary roots, the Française is a larger timepiece but is undeniably still a Tank. For those with smaller budgets who can save a few thousand dollars and still want a luxury timepiece, this is the model we recommend. Cartier Tank MC As the prices rise, functions become available in the MC collection. It is one of the boldest collections with multiple options to select from and various colors, materials and complications. The classic Tank Solo Tank Solo The Tank Solo is, by and large, the best entry level Cartier collection for a more modest budget. Where to Buy a Tank There are many places one can purchase a Cartier Tank. In fact, they are almost as easy to procure as or Omega. There are really three types of places to buy new and vintage Tanks. Obviously, we recommend purchasing your new and vintage Tank from an authorized seller whether it be through Cartier directly or one of their representatives. The difference between grey market and the black market is simple: black market dealers are selling stolen products. Of course, with reward, there is a certain level of risk involved. Any warrant you receive will be directly from the seller and is void if the vendor goes out of business. Your next best bet will be well-reviewed jewellers followed by online stores. For the most part, the auction houses and reputable jewelry stores will only sell Private Sellers The third place to purchase a Cartier Tank is through a private seller. These can be individuals, sole proprietors, independent jewellers or estate managers. In many cases, these watches will be pre-owned. The benefit is that you can often find the best deal. Most private sellers will sell these watches on consignment, in newspapers and circulars or online using websites such as eBay, Craigslist and watch forums. To learn more about how to buy a Cartier Tank on eBay, for our eBay buying guide. To learn how to purchase any vintage luxury watch in detail,. Tank on the Wrist Online Reputable online platforms such as offer a 30 day no questions asked return policy. So you can order the watch, inspect it in person and take all the time you want without a sales person watching you, have it appraised and if something is wrong you can return it. How to Wear a Tank The Tank is a very versatile timepiece. Unlike most dress watches, the Tank is water-resistant which allows you to wear it in a more casual environment. The standard rule of the Tank is to wear what it appears to match. If you have a or a , it will work handsomely with casual wear and even sportswear. However, you can dress it up and pair it with a or even a suit for the. If you own a quintessential made of yellow or pink gold with an , we highly recommend reserving it as a dress watch and pairing it with business attire. Of course, the Tank is one of the few timepieces that some men argue can be worn with black tie. Most watches that are emblazoned with diamonds are far too ostentatious for black tie or even business attire. Unless of course you work in the entertainment industry. However, the Tank, unlike many of the other diamond watches in existence, has managed to do a fairly superb job of minimizing its extravagance. We would just suggest you do what you feel is comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. Conclusion The Tank watch is a substantial investment in luxury timekeeping. It is one of the most iconic ever made and stays away from trends that eventually parish to remain sophisticated and elegant as the decades pass. Do you own a Cartier Tank?