CARTIER Tank watches

Pre-owned Cartier Tank watches: the watchmaking legacy of Louis Cartier

A true benchmark in design and elegance, the Cartier Tank watch is now an essential model in the world of watchmaking. Launched in 1919, the watch designed by Louis Cartier was directly inspired by military tanks, fitting the round hour markers into a rectangular dial. Since 1919, the Tank watch has, of course, undergone several evolutions: from the Tank LC to the prestigious Tank Française and the Tank Américaine, the original model has become increasingly sophisticated, ultimately winning the hearts of watch enthusiasts. With such a rich history, the Tank watch is presented to you by Castafiore through a wide catalog of vintage models, carefully selected and authenticated by our team. Each Cartier model carries within it the legacy of revolutionary design and constant technical innovation, from quartz movement models to versions with the Solarbeat steel photovoltaic movement.

The Cartier Tank watch: an iconic must-have

While the Cartier Tank watch is now a must-have, this horological icon is a classic that has literally stood the test of time. From the quartz movement steel model to the contemporary versions with the Solarbeat photovoltaic movement and steel bracelet, each Cartier Tank watch carries within it the legacy of a revolutionary design.

The creation of the first Tank watch

The very first Tank watch was conceived by Louis Cartier between 1916 and 1917. As war raged, the jeweler envisioned a watch whose name and design would pay homage to the Renault FT-17 tank. This military vehicle was itself innovative, being the first tank to be equipped with a rotating turret. Louis Cartier visualized the tank from above and sketched the first lines of the watch. He achieved an elegant and refined design that stood out completely from the pocket watches then available from watchmakers. Launched a few years after its creation, the Tank watch incorporated a nine-ligne Jaeger caliber and a folding clasp that was quite innovative for its time. The Cartier Tank watch was presented on November 15, 1919, with an initial stock of six pieces. By January 1920, all the watches had been sold. The success story was about to begin! This Cartier movement model will quickly become the emblem of the House of Cartier and will span the decades without ever losing its splendor.

The watchmaking legend is being transformed

Year after year, the Tank watch developed by the prestigious Maison Cartier has been transformed to reflect changing trends. In the early 1920s, the Tank Cintrée made its debut before giving way to the Tank Louis Cartier, also known as the "Tank LC." Already iconic, the model gained international recognition, later incorporating Asian influences with the Tank Chinoise. Innovation continued in the early 1930s when Cartier engineers developed the Tank à Guichet, a jumping-hour watch with manual winding. Throughout the 1930s, the Tank Réversible was launched, followed by the Tank Basculante, the Tank Asymétrique with its parallelepiped-shaped dial, and the Tank 8 Jours. After Louis Cartier's death, the Maison de Haute Horlogerie limited the production of new innovations to prioritize the legacy of the Tank watch. The invention of the quartz movement gave the Tank watch a new lease on life: more accessible, the Tank Must watch now appealed to a younger audience. The emblem of the House of Cartier was thus produced in greater numbers and became more readily available. During the 1990s, Cartier also chose to offer the same model in several versions: for example, the Tank Américaine could be found in yellow gold, with a quartz movement, or with an automatic mechanism. Today, Cartier innovates primarily by offering new mechanisms such as the Solarbeat photovoltaic movement, but also by adapting to the new constraints of our societies, particularly by controlling the environmental impact of its production.

Icons who have adopted the Tank watch

The Cartier Tank watch has graced the wrists of the most prestigious figures from the 20th century to the present day. Andy Warhol, an iconic figure of Pop Art, was never without his Tank, which he wore with studied nonchalance. Michelle Obama also chose a Tank watch for her official appearances, thus affirming her taste for timeless pieces. From Jackie Kennedy to Catherine Deneuve, from Yves Saint Laurent to Alain Delon, the Cartier Tank watch has transcended generations, establishing itself as the symbol of understated yet assertive elegance. This adoption by the most influential personalities testifies to the Cartier Tank watch's ability to transcend trends and eras. Each Cartier model, whether quartz or automatic, embodies this history of seduction and refinement.

How to recognize a genuine Cartier Tank watch

The Tank watch, while recognizable by its original design, has been produced in a multitude of versions. These different creations are all essential criteria to consider when recognizing a genuine Cartier timepiece.

The original design and its stylistic evolutions

The very first Tank watch designed by Louis Cartier was inspired by a military tank seen from above. The shafts represent the tracks, and the case represents the driver's compartment. The dial features a minute track that connects to the Roman numerals. The hands are sword-shaped, their bluish hue standing out against the cream background of the dial. This Cartier model has since evolved into more contemporary versions: the Tank Must quartz movement model with a steel and leather strap, the Tank Américaine with its slightly curved case, and the Tank Française with its shafts integrated into the steel bracelet. Each Cartier Tank watch nevertheless retains the aesthetic codes of the original piece: Roman numerals, minute track, and sword hands. The steel case and bracelet, or the gold case with an included leather strap, perpetuate this instantly recognizable visual signature.

How to spot an authentic Tank watch?

This iconic watch model is, of course, now sold all over the world. Numerous variations exist, which is why it's essential to know how to recognize a genuine Cartier Tank watch, whether you're looking for a vintage or a recent model. The Tank watch is first and foremost a timeless timepiece. For example, the Cartier quartz steel movement has proven exceptionally durable. A counterfeit watch will, of course, have a much lower-quality and less robust movement. Many details can also help identify a fake: the hands are shorter or longer, the Roman numerals are coarser, or the watch is lighter. A genuine Cartier watch is also crafted with materials such as stainless steel and gold, the strap is made of genuine leather (often calfskin), the cabochon is sapphire, and the bezel may be set with real diamonds; every detail is meticulously considered. At Castafiore, each Cartier Tank leather strap includes a certificate of authenticity and complete documentation on the movement model, the steel or gold case, and the Cartier Tank leather strap.

The iconic models of the Tank collection

Cartier's Tank collection comprises several flagship models, each with its own distinct identity while retaining the DNA of the original watch. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the Tank watch that best suits your style and expectations.

Tank Must: Iconic Accessibility

The Tank Must quartz movement model represents the accessible entry-level model in the collection. Launched in the 1970s, the Cartier Tank Must democratized the Tank watch by offering a quartz movement model in steel and leather at a more affordable price. The steel case and leather strap of the Cartier Tank Must offer a simple and modern elegance, perfect for everyday wear. Today, some Tank Must models even incorporate a Solarbeat photovoltaic movement in steel, an eco-friendly innovation that captures light to power the movement. This Solarbeat photovoltaic movement in steel and leather significantly reduces the watch's environmental impact while maintaining the precision of the quartz movement. The Tank Must photovoltaic movement demonstrates Cartier's commitment to more responsible watchmaking, without ever sacrificing the elegance of the original design. The price of the Tank Must remains accessible compared to other models in the collection, making it an ideal entry point into the world of Cartier's Tank watches.

American Tank: The Daring Curve

The Tank Américaine watch is distinguished by its gently curved case that hugs the wrist. Longer than the classic Tank, this Cartier Tank watch makes a bold statement on the wrist. The Cartier Tank Américaine's steel or leather bracelet is available in several versions: quartz, steel, and leather for contemporary models, and an automatic movement for mechanical versions. Collectors particularly appreciate the yellow or white gold models, whose price reflects their rarity and craftsmanship. The Tank Américaine embodies a bolder interpretation of Louis Cartier's original design, while retaining the aesthetic codes that define the House of Cartier: Roman numerals, railway track minute markers, and sword hands. The steel case with leather strap or the gold case with calfskin strap offers exceptional wearing comfort, while the steel quartz movement guarantees impeccable timekeeping precision.

French Tank: perfect integration

The Tank Française watch is characterized by its integrated lugs, creating a visual continuity between the case and the steel bracelet. This Cartier Tank watch captivates with its balance of sportiness and elegance. The steel or leather-on-steel bracelet of the Tank Française offers exceptional wearing comfort. Models with either a quartz or automatic movement are available in the collection, allowing everyone to choose according to their technical preferences. The Tank Française watch represents a major evolution of the original design: by integrating the lugs into the bracelet, Cartier has created a more contemporary and fluid Tank watch, without ever betraying the spirit of the piece designed by Louis Cartier. The price of the Tank Française varies depending on the materials (steel, yellow gold, white gold) and the type of movement (quartz or automatic), but remains accessible for a watch of this quality.

Choose your Cartier Tank watch from Castafiore

Castafiore is a digital platform that appraises and offers recent, vintage, and antique jewelry. Every day, Anne and Charlotte, the two founders, appraise jewelry, some of which bears the name of a prestigious brand. Among their discoveries, they have, of course, been able to authenticate genuine Cartier Tank watches.

Our selection of pre-owned Tank watches

Castafiore's catalog pays tribute to this iconic reference through prestigious models from the finest eras of Louis Cartier watchmaking. Discover the Tank Must, the Tank Américaine, the Tank Basculante, the Tank Louis Cartier Extra Plate, and many other timeless classics! Each Cartier Tank watch in our selection comes with a detailed description specifying the movement (quartz, automatic, or Solarbeat photovoltaic movement for recent pieces), the case materials (steel, yellow gold, white gold, platinum), the type of strap (calfskin leather, steel, steel and leather), and of course, the price. Our pre-owned Tank watches all benefit from our guarantee of authenticity and personalized after-sales service. The included Cartier Tank leather strap is systematically checked, the steel case and bracelet are inspected, and each Cartier model with a quartz or automatic movement is tested to ensure proper functioning.

Why choose a pre-owned Tank watch?

Choosing a pre-owned Cartier Tank watch means accessing watchmaking history at an affordable price. Vintage models like the Tank Must from the 1970s-80s, the Tank Américaine from the 1990s, or the Tank Française from the 2000s possess the charm of time. The Cartier Tank leather strap develops an elegant patina, the steel or gold case retains its luster, and the steel quartz movement continues to beat with precision. At Castafiore, every Cartier Tank leather strap includes a certificate of authenticity, original documentation when available, and our care instructions. Whether as a gift or a treat for yourself, choose your preferred era, collection, and design, and become part of the history of a watch that has truly taken the world of high-end watchmaking by storm. Whether you're looking for a Tank Must quartz movement steel and leather watch, a Tank Américaine gold watch, or a Tank Française watch with a steel bracelet, our catalog features authenticated, appraised, and ready-to-wear pieces. The price of each pre-owned Tank watch reflects its condition, rarity, and history, ensuring a completely transparent purchase.