Cartier Tank Obus lacquered "Paris" - c. 1980

Cartier Tank: choose your side.

Description

You are probably familiar with the Cartier Tank Louis, an emblematic piece in the Cartier repertoire. The Tank Obus is one of its many variations. With its square shape, itself a response to the original model launched in the 1920s, it breaks free from the classic Cartier codes and thus offers a watch full of audacity and singularity. The very refined white dial, mentioning only Cartier and Paris, seems to fade away in front of this large bezel with superb blue lacquer Roman numerals.

Still borrowed from the military register, the name Tank Obus refers not only to assault tanks but also to the bullets (shells) evoked by its characteristic horns.

A 1980s watch, in 18-carat yellow gold, with a quartz movement and a gold-plated Cartier pin buckle, also in 18-carat yellow gold. Thanks to its white dial, it can be combined with the strap color of your choice, depending on tastes and seasons.

This Cartier Tank Obus was just serviced at Cartier in August 2024. The watch comes with its service invoice and Cartier pouch. 

Why did Françoise choose it?

The Tank Obus is a rare piece of incredible elegance, especially in this condition. A piece that naturally attracts compliments. Not very common, it is unlikely that you will come across it on other wrists.

Just like the Cartier Tonneau or the Cartier Tortue, Françoise fell in love with this unique model and can only recommend it. The Tank Obus is a must-have, both from a historical and stylistic point of view, and will please collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Its dimensions make it a mixed watch, for her as well as for him! Originally, it was the men's model, a smaller version having been designed for women. It will then be available in a large version.

History

The Tank watch, known as the Tank Normale, appeared in 1917. In honor of the heroes of the First World War, its design was inspired by the first tanks. Five years later, the Tank Louis Cartier was designed, a model very similar to the first but with a more elongated dial and thinner, rounded stretchers. Several generations followed one another, retaining the same identity codes while adapting to new watchmaking technologies such as quartz. The design of the Tank Obus was born in the 1920s, inspired by that of its big sister, still with a rectangular dial but with well-defined angles, accompanied by shell-shaped horns. Later, the square dial would appear.