Tank
The Cartier Tank is one of the most important watch designs in history, a rectangular case concept that has remained in continuous or near-continuous production since 1917 — over a century of refinement without obsolescence. Louis Cartier drew inspiration from the aerial view of Renault FT tanks moving across the Western Front in World War I, translating the vehicle's tracks and body into a case architecture of brancards (side rails) and a rectangular center section. The original Tank was presented to General John Pershing as a gift in 1918, and since then the Tank has adorned the wrists of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Andy Warhol, Princess Diana, and countless cultural figures across decades. Pre-owned Cartier Tank references span numerous sub-variants — the Tank Américaine, Française, Louis Cartier, Solo, MC, and Cintrée — each interpreting the basic architecture differently. Vintage yellow gold Tank references from the 1960s and 1970s are prized by collectors who appreciate the warmth of gold against guilloché dials and original deployant clasps. The Tank's design has never required reinvention because it was correct from the beginning. DeMesy & Co. in Dallas has been sourcing and authenticating pre-owned Cartier Tank watches since 1987.
