Cartier’s rectangular watch introduced in 1917 and inspired by military tank tracks is the Tank.
Louis Cartier created the Tank during the First World War, drawing inspiration from the plan view of the Renault FT military tank. Its parallel vertical brancards represent tank tracks, while the case and dial form a clean, geometric composition.
The first Tank was presented in 1917, and the design entered Cartier’s commercial history soon afterward. Its restrained shape contrasted with more ornate jewellery watches and helped establish the rectangular wristwatch as a lasting luxury style.
The Tank is a collection with many later versions, including Tank Louis Cartier and Tank Américaine. These models share the family’s rectangular identity but are not identical watches.