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Cartier Tank Louis GM Paris

The Louis Cartier Tank: A revolution in gold.
The story of this icon begins not in the luxury of a Parisian studio, but amidst the violence of the battlefields of World War I. In 1917, Louis Cartier was inspired by the sleek, functional lines of the new Renault tanks he saw at the front. He designed a watch that broke with the tradition of round timepieces with a revolutionary rectangular case, where the sidebars, known as “brancards,” flow seamlessly into the lugs.

This particular example from 1970 (ref. 23.5 x 23 mm) pays tribute to the purest form of this design:
The dial: A radiant white dial with the rare and sought-after “Paris” signature at the bottom, indicating its origins in the historic boutique on Rue de la Paix.
Classic details: Features the iconic black Roman numerals, the “railway” minute track, and the blue steel sword-shaped hands. Material: The case is crafted from solid 18-karat yellow gold, perfectly reflecting the emerging Art Deco style of symmetry and geometry.
The crown: The distinctive fluted gold crown is set with a blue sapphire cabochon, a round-cut, faceted stone that adds a beautiful touch of color.
Unlike many modern watches, this “Grand Modèle” (GM) is equipped with a manual movement (cal. ETA2512). It recalls the words of the legendary Andy Warhol, who wore his Tank as the ultimate piece of jewelry, regardless of the time. Thanks to its exceptionally slim case, this model slips effortlessly under a shirt cuff, making it the blueprint for the modern dress watch.

Since Louis Cartier presented the first prototype to US General John Pershing as a token of appreciation, the Tank has been worn by the world’s greatest icons, from Jackie Kennedy to Princess Diana. At the Amsterdam Watch Company, we cherish this 1970 example as a visionary symbol of elegance that will never go out of style.
This watch is more than just a timepiece; it’s a piece of Parisian history waiting to write a new story on your wrist.

Year

1970
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€ 8.900

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Brand Cartier
Diameter 23.5 x 23 mm
Model Tank Louis, GM
Bracelet/strap: Leather
Year of production (circa) 1970
Buckle/clasp Original gold buckle
Material 18k Yellow gold
Lug Width 17.5 mm
Crystal Acrylic
Set Content Watch only
Dial color White
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Movement Hand-wound

The Cartier Tank was designed by Louis Cartier in 1917. Its design was inspired by the brand new, awe-inspiring Renault FT-17 tank, used in WWI. We may consider the Tank to be a classical shape today, but back in 1917, it was a design revolution, much like the Renault that inspired it. The very first public example was given to General John Pershing in 1918.

The iconic design looks simple and elegant, but is deceptively complex at the same time. The nearly square case is flanked by two brancards, giving the watch its slender, rectangular appearance. A form that is clearly taken from the Renault tank with its tracks. A white dial, black Roman numerals, heat-blued hands, rail-road track and sapphire cabochon crown complete the typical Tank design.

Countless variations on the theme exist though. 1921 Saw the introduction of the elongated Cintrée models. In the 1970’s, in response to the Quartz crisis, Cartier launched the Must de Cartier line. These Tanks were powered by more affordable quartz or mechanical ETA calibers and the cases were plated silver, rather than 18k gold. The Tank Americaine was launched in the late 1980’s. The elongated and curved shape was reminiscent of the Cintrée, but a little less delicate in form. The more angular, modern Tank Francaise was added to the collection in 1995. More niche variants such as the Tank Chinoise and the odd “digital” Tank a Guichet are available for those with a taste for something different.

The Cartier Tank has always been a celebrity favorite. Iconic figures such as Andy Warhol, Muhammad Ali and Jackie Kennedy wore Tanks. Jackie Kennedy’s specific watch was later acquired by Kim Kardashian for a whopping $395.000,- at auction. Today, you might spot a Tank Francaise on the Dutch Queen Maxima’s wrist.

The Cartier Tank is surely one of the most iconic watch designs out there. You can easily put it side-by-side with the Rolex Submariner and AP Royal Oak as one of those genre-defining designs. It is tempting to throw the term iconic around in the watch world, but it is justified here beyond a shadow of a doubt.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.