images courtesy of Cartier

Cartier Launches an Updated Version of the Iconic Tank Francaise

Written by Ulrika Lindqvist

Cartier has announced the relaunch of the iconic Tank Francaise watch, paying homage to French elegance and the classic Tank model. The Tank watch has a heritage dating back to 1917, while the Tank Francaise was first launched in 1996 and has since become one of the brand's most beloved watches.

The new version has been updated both aesthetically and ergonomically, creating a sophisticated balance between femininity and masculinity. The watch is available in three different sizes, made of steel, gold and with diamonds. The campaign, photographed in the heart of Paris, was created in collaboration with Guy Ritchie and features two iconic ambassadors, Rami Malek and Catherine Deneuve. 

SAGA OF THE TANK

1917 CREATION OF THENORMALETANK WATCH
At the beginning of the 20th century, Louis Cartier sought a purity of shape, fitting the round hours into the line of the bracelet. Following the Santos watch, the first specifically designed to be worn on the wrist, the Tank watch took a new step in 1917: following the same straight line, the case, lugs and bracelet became one.

1922 TANK LOUIS CARTIER
Very quickly, the Maison began to offer different versions of the watch. In 1922, its case was stretched, brancards refined and edges softened: the Tank L.C. watch for Louis Cartier had arrived.

1977 TANK MUST DE CARTIER
In 1977, midway through the Must de Cartier period, a collection of vermeil watches following the form of the Louis Cartier Tank watch was launched. Its plain coloured dial with no numbers echoes the materials used in jewellery: onyx, coral, ivory, lapis lazuli, tortoiseshell and garnet.

1988 TANK AMÉRICAINE
The lines of the Tank watch will always evolve. In 1988, with the Tank Américaine, the compact rectangle of the curved case and the larger dial were in tune with the energy of the era.

1996 TANK FRANÇAISE
The Tank Française debuted a metal bracelet in perfect harmony with the case. Its name refers to a very French state of mind, between classicism and a freedom of style.

THE NEW TANK FRANÇAISE: WHAT HAS CHANGED?

1.  More rounded brancards.
2. The crown is inlaid to match the profile of the brancards.
3. Mainly satin finishes.
4. The sunray watch dial with Roman numerals is highlighted by the shine of its relief.
5. The bracelet forms a compact, perfectly flexible chain, a dense mesh of links that remain and move as one.
6.  The new large model is equipped with an automatic mechanical movement.