Its iconic design with clean lines and sleek curves has made it popular among royalty, tastemakers, and trendsetters alike for over a century.
As such, vintage pieces are highly sought after by connoisseurs and fashion fans alike who appreciate their timeless elegance and charm.
There’s nothing quite like having an extraordinary vintage timepiece to go with your favorite dresses, or even to jazz up an everyday outfit.
Whether you’re contemplating on making your first statement or upgrading the luxe factor to your collection – here are 10 of the best Cartier Tank Watches to complete your look!
Who Are Cartier?
Cartier is a French luxury jewelry and watchmaker that has been in business since 1847. Founded by Louis-François Cartier, the company quickly became renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs.
Today, Cartier is one of the most recognizable names in the world of luxury watches, and their iconic Tank watch has become a symbol of sophistication and style.
Cartier’s watches are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, and they are a popular choice among those who appreciate timeless elegance.
Some of their most known models include the iconic Tank watch is one of the oldest designs in the Cartier collection, and its timeless appeal makes it perfect for those who appreciate classic elegance, as well as the Santos watch, designed by Louis Cartier in 1904, with a square case and integrated bracelet make it a timeless classic.
History Of Cartier
Since its beginnings in 1847, Cartier has become one of the most renowned watchmakers in the world.
But before it became famous for creating watches that are sought after by collectors and celebrities alike, it was a humble jewelry store catering to European royalty.
To discover when Cartier began producing watches and the story behind the company’s success, read on.
Cartier’s move into the watchmaking industry began in 1888 when Louis-François Cartier took control of the business from his grandfather who had opened up shop in Paris a few years earlier.
It wasn’t until 1904 that Cartier unveiled their first watch designs at The Universal Exhibition held in St. Louis, USA.
The early designs were simple but sophisticated dress watches primarily made out of gold and employed Roman numerals across the dial for an elegant look and feel.
These designs laid down some of the foundations for future timepiece masterpiece collections such as Tank or Santos de Cartier models.
The brand continued expanding over the following decades with retailers being opened worldwide, from London to New York City to Tokyo; offices were established across Europe and North America; and categories expanded beyond timepieces including jewelry lines for both men and women becoming increasingly popular amongst consumers all over the world.
As part of this period of growth, Cartier watches evolved from dress watches to sports styles evoking power during times such as WWI when tanks existed on battlefields worldwide – leading directly to one of their most iconic pieces today – The Tank De Cartier Collection which has been revamped over generations to feature larger sizes, bolder colors, and unique complications depending on model type.
Today, modern Cartier watches feature quartz movements with intricate designs that echo past traditional workshops including skeletonized details alongside precious metals like rose gold or stainless steel emblazoned with diamonds or sapphires, as well as incorporating materials like ceramic onto bracelets creating ultra-lightweight yet luxurious looks.
Best Vintage Cartier Tank Watches
As we mentioned, the Tank is one of the most iconic pieces from the Cartier line, and this distinctive shape and design were inspired by the tanks and battlefields of war.
We have put together some of the best options for vintage collectors; read on to find out more, and discover your new favorite,
The Tank Louis Cartier is a classic design that has been around since 1917, making it one of the oldest Cartier Tank watches in existence.
Its timeless design features a rectangular face with an integrated bracelet, and its simple lines make it perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance.
The watch is available in a range of colors and shades, but the classic leather strap offers a timeless appeal that ensures it will never go out of style.
The Tank Louis Cartier is the perfect choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their look and looks just as great dressed up for a formal night as it does lifting and upgrading a more casual outfit.
80’s Watches
The 1980s were a time of fashion and fun, and many of the designs and models created by Cartier at this time have retained their style and quality.
The Tank Americaine was first conceived in 1989 and is an updated version of the classic Cartier Tank Cintree, featuring an octagonal case and a beautiful leather bracelet to create a dainty, timeless look.
Its stunning design makes it perfect for those who want to make a statement, and its simple beauty ensures that it will be noticed for all the right reasons.
With its classic lines and elegant curves, the Tank Americaine is sure to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
No discussion of vintage Cartier Tank watches would be complete without a nod to the one who started it all, and the original model burst onto the scene in 1989.
The original Cartier Tank is a timeless classic, and its iconic design has been beloved by generations of fashion fans.
This vintage piece features a rectangular face with an integrated bracelet, and its simple lines make it the perfect choice for those who appreciate understated elegance.
Its classic design has inspired a legion of descendants, and its timeless nature ensures that it will never go out of style, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their look.
90’s Watches
The 1990s saw Princess Diana skyrocket to fame as a style icon, and her favorite piece, the classic Cartier Tank Francaise, rose to almost cult status, becoming a firm favorite amongst collectors everywhere.
Dated to 1996, the Cartier Tank Francaise was first made famous as the favorite of Princess Diana, who favored the leather strap style – an honor that saw this model earn a legion of fans across the globe.
The Tank Francaise is a modern take on the classic Cartier Tank design, featuring a beautiful square face with an integrated bracelet.
The watch has a timeless elegance that makes it suitable for both formal and casual occasions, and its sleek lines make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate simple, classy elegance and sophistication – ideal for adding an instant list to any outfit.
The Tank Cintree is a classic design that was first released in 1993, and its octagonal case and integrated bracelet make it the perfect choice for those who appreciate timeless elegance.
Its unique shape gives it an eye-catching appeal, and its simple lines make it suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
The watch is available in a range of colors and shades, making it the perfect pick for those who want to add a touch of individuality to their look.
The Tank Cintree is the perfect choice for those who want to make a statement, and its timeless beauty ensures that it will never go out of style.
The Noughties
Despite feeling like mere days ago, the early Noughties are now sufficiently far behind us to gain the name “vintage”, and many Cartier Tank watches from this period are still highly coveted.
Slightly more modern, the Tank Divan is a unique design that was available from 2002 to 2007 before being discontinued -and this discontinuation made it a highly sought-after piece.
The Tank Divan features a distinctive rectangular face with a smart leather bracelet, and its unique design makes it perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
The model comes in a range of colors and shades, making it the perfect pick for collectors who appreciate a touch of individuality, and are looking for something rare and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Vintage Cartier watches are a great way to add value to your collection and complete your look. With a range of styles and designs available, there is something to suit every taste.
Make sure to consider the condition, movement, authenticity, and price of the watch before making your decision, and take a look at our top Cartier Tank models to find the perfect piece for you.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
