CARTIER Tank Francaise Chronograph

Ref: 2653 (Large model)

Year: c2003

This classic Cartier Tank comes boxed and in excellent all round condition, it has just been serviced and is sold with a 12 month warranty. The stainless steel case measures 36x27mm, contains a beautifully detailed dial with the iconic Roman numerals, blue steel hands set with the sapphire cabochon crown. The watch is presented on a stainless-steel link bracelet with double folding clasp. The case size and steel construction make this a solid yet elegant looking watch. More information on the history of the ‘Tank’ below:-

The 'Tank' was created by Louis Cartier in 1917, and inspired by the new Renault tanks which Cartier saw in use on the Western Front. The prototype watch was presented by Cartier to General John J. Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force.

The Tank was introduced in 1918, and entered full production in 1919, when six pieces were built. Its lines and proportions are similar to those of tanks used on First World War battlefields. Its strap is integrated into vertical sidebars called "brancards". Since its inception, variations of the watch have been released by Cartier, including the Tank Louis in 1922, the Tank Americaine in 1989, and the Tank Française in 1996. The defining features of a Tank watch include its bold Roman numeral dial with a chemin de fer chapter ring, sword-shaped blued steel hands, and a sapphire cabochon-surmounted crown.

The Tank has become one of the most highly coveted and copied wristwatches of all time.