Written by Kidist Amanuel
Louis Cartier created the Tank watch line in 1917 and the first prototype was made available to the public in 1917. As Cartier himself points out,
“The lugs blend seamlessly into the bare edges of the flat vertical brancards, giving the watch its unique aesthetic. The clean, crisp lines have proved hugely popular with a free-spirited, elegant clientèle. The now-iconic Tank watch has inspired countless variations, yet managed to preserve its distinctive identity.”
The Anglaise is the third model that is attributed to a certain region, similar to its predecessors the Americaine and Tank Francaise. The Anglaise is known for having bulkier case than those two however, and it has a rounder profile with a crown that integrates right into signature parallel brancards.
Cartier has recently introduced the Tank Anglaise in Gold and Steel with a slight different interpretation of the original model and gave it a new twist. The inspiration from the original model is evident with a perfect alignment and winding mechanism and strap that seamlessly incorporates into the case. The case has straight and clean-cut lines similar to earlier models. The nine-sided rose gold crown fits nicely in the case and is hidden below a crown protector. There is a thin inner crown with sapphire cabochon for setting and the outer crown can also be used once the inner crown is pulled out. The case comes in a medium and large sizes that should satisfy various styles and taste. Inside the case is an automatic Cartier mechanical movement that powers this watch.
Technical Specifications:
Case: 18k pink gold and steel; transparent sapphire crystal back
Case Dimensions: Medium size – 39.2 mm diameter, 29.8 mm height, 9.5 mm thick
Case Dimensions: Large size – 47 mm diameter, 36.2 mm height, 9.82 mm thick
Crown: nine-sided crown set with a synthetic spinel cabochon
Dial: sapphire crystal, silvered and lacquered flanque; Roman numerals; blued-steel sword-shaped hands
Movement: self-winding mechanical caliber Cartier 1904MC (large version) and Cartier 077 (medium version)
Water resistant to 3 bars/ 30 meters/ 100 feet
18K pink gold and steel bracelet
For now, this new iteration of Tank Anglaise is only available in gold and steel with matching bracelets. The medium size version of this Tank Anglaise will retail for about $8,600 while the large size version will retail for about $10,600. As mentioned above, the latest design is a modified version of the original Tank style that Cartier is known for.