MILESTONE
This year, Cartier marks its 100th anniversary for the iconic Tank timepiece. BAZAAR looks back at its most memorable moments.
1917
Inspired by the clean silhouettes of an army tank, Louis Cartier designed the timepiece based on the top view of the machine.
1926
In George Fitzmaurice’s The Son of the Sheik, actor Rudolph Valentino demanded to wear his Tank watch in every scene.
1969
Jackie Kennedy got her first Tank timepiece, gifted by her brother-in-law Prince Stanislaw Radziwill.
1973
“I don’t wear a Tank watch to tell the time. I wear a Tank because it is the watch to wear!” – Andy Warhol
1983
Couturier Yves Saint Laurent was photographed in 1983 wearing his favourite Cartier timepiece.
1989
The Tank Américaine is launched, designed with the 1921 Tank Cintrée and its curved rectangular case in mind.
1995
Princess Diana visits the Royal Air Force in Wittering, England, wearing her Tank.
1996
The modern Tank Française makes its debut, which then became one of Princess Diana’s favourite pieces.
2008
Cartier’s first in-house movement is introduced within the Tank Américaine, with the Calibre 9452 MC and flying tourbillon.
2017
For its 100th anniversary, Cartier launches new maison novelties, like the Tank Cintrée Skeleton in pink gold.