The Tank Watch

The first Tank watch was invented by Louis Cartier in 1917. Believe it or not, it’s rectangle shape was inspired by a tank used during World War I! 

Over the years Cartier has made all types of variations of their tank watch and just about all other luxury watch companies have jumped aboard as well. Piage, Hermes, Gucci, Baume Mercier, Longines, Armani, Ebel, Patek Phillipe, and more.  

A war vehicle is a strange source of inspiration for jewelery but it happened. Andy Warhol and Jackie Kennedy were the first big celebrity names to wear the Cartier tank watch which launced it into one of the most popular styles ever.

In 2018, Cartier was named the worlds 59th most significant brand by Forbes but it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone due to their world wide name recognition for well over 172 years.

How do you like your tank watch?  With diamonds or without?  White gold or yellow gold? Chain bracelet or leather strap. The options are many. Vintage Cartier tank watch are also popular so if you have one, you might think of cashing in while the getting is good. Below are some current values: 

Cartier tank watch
Cartier watch
Cartier watch
Cartier

Left: Vintage Cartier tank watch from 1950.  18k gold estimated value about $34,000.00.  Center: Cartier Tank Anglaise 18k gold estimated value about $26,000.00 Right: Cartier Tank Americaine Flying Tourbillon estimated value about $60,000.00