Cartier has introduced two new iterations of the Tank Louis Cartier, thus expanding one of its most emblematic watch designs. As a successor to the original Tank Normale, first conceived in 1917, the Tank Louis Cartier has been an enduring symbol of elegance and refinement since its creation in 1922.
Cartier Tank Normale – 1917
With this latest release, Cartier reaffirms the model’s enduring appeal while integrating modern technical advancements. How? It now features an automatic manufacture movement, the 1899 MC, which respects the model’s basic DNA while allowing for the Tank Louis Cartier to make its debut with larger dimensions.
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Automatic
Background
The Tank has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history, evolving in shape, size, materials, and mechanics. Over the decades, Cartier has reinterpreted the design through models such as the Tank Cintrée, Tank Chinoise, Tank Asymétrique, Tank Américaine, and Tank Française, as well as the recent Tank Must with its innovative SolarBeat photovoltaic movement. The Tank Louis Cartier, however, remains a cornerstone of this evolution, defined by its elongated rectangular case, softened angles, and refined brancards.
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier – 1922
Sleek designs: The case
The two new models are available in yellow gold or rose gold cases. With enlarged dimensions of 38.1 x 27.75 mm, alongside a height of 8.18 mm, the new timepieces certainly command more of a presence of the wrist, while retaining their highly elegant appeal. As always, these precious metal watches bear a beaded winding crown is set with a cabochon. In addition, the cases are water-resistant to 100 m.
The dial
Both watches retain the signature elements of the Tank collection, including the flinqué dial, railway track minute markers, Roman numerals, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands that make the watch so distinctive.
Larger case, automatic movement
As already explained, for this latest release, Cartier has introduced a larger case size, incorporating a new-generation automatic mechanical movement. The calibre 1899 MC, with its 38-hour power reserve and frequency of 4 Hz, has been developed specifically to integrate seamlessly within the proportions of the Tank Louis Cartier, preserving the watch’s balanced aesthetic while offering the convenience of automatic winding.
Strap: Luxe leather
Finally, the yellow-gold version of the Tank Louis Cartier features a semi-matte grey alligator leather strap, while its rose-gold counterpart is paired with a semi-matte brown alligator leather strap.
