An icon was born.
Cartier tank louis on wrist.
When creating the timepiece cartier drew inspiration from the renault tanks that he saw on the western front.
With its smoother and rounder lines it followed the tank normale in 1919 and it was the second tank that cartier ever launched.
The tank was introduced in 1918 and entered full production in 1919 when a total of six pieces were built.
In contrast to the assertive choice of rectangular form and proud lines the tops of the lugs were rounded embodying the contribution made by louis cartier to the modern style later known as art deco.
Louis cartier designed the original tank in the year 1917 as a gift for general john pershing of the american expeditionary force two years before it hit the public marketplace.
It was an 18 karat gold louis cartier tank inscribed with his initials and family arms as well as the couple s wedding date.
The tank is a line of watches made by cartier it was created by louis cartier in 1917 and inspired by the new renault tanks which cartier saw in use on the western front.
The cartier santos dumont known as cartier s first wristwatch is the watch that brought the brand horological fame and recognition.
Case in 18k pink gold beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon silvered beaded dial blued steel sword shaped hands mineral crystal strap in shiny brown alligator skin ardillon buckle in 18k pink gold.
Looking at pictures of alberto in newspapers the public asked what is that strapped to his wrist the answer was a watch.
Tank louis cartier watch small model manufacture mechanical movement with manual winding caliber 8971 mc.
That original watch was a rectangular watch nearly square like its cousin the santos with large rails sometimes called brancards the french for stretcher on either side of the roman numeral dial and a design that was at the time unlike anything else out there.
Cartier tank solo xl w5200028 men s automatic watch stainless steel silver dial.
However no less significant was the fifth watch that louis cartier created the tank of 1917 which became both cartier s most extensive collection with the largest variety of models and its most popular.
It became the jewel in the crown of the entire watch.
The cartier tank louis cartier or the lc tank as collectors and connoisseurs like to refer to it.
The prototype watch was presented by cartier to general john pershing of the american expeditionary force.
The tank watch was first introduced in 1917 hence this year s centenary celebration.
Louis cartier made a watch for his friend alberto santos dumont who wore it every time he flew.
Alberto was a celebrity throughout europe and with his flamboyant personality his cartier watch became equally famous.
Worn by louis cartier himself the tank louis cartier watch sets the standard to be upheld by all tank watches.
This is the same watch on his wrist the day he was assassinated in 1963.
Louis cartier designed the tank in 1917.
