This is the Cartier Faberge 78101. The history of the Cartier Tank is one that barely needs any introduction, given that it has been covered excessively. The origins of the Tank began in 1917, inspired by war machines of the same name. Given the success of the original Tank, Cartier began to vary the offering to leverage on the success of the model. Among the many Cartier timepieces, the Tank is arguably their most recognizable model alongside the Santos.

For the many memorable shapes and sizes produced by the house of Cartier, some remain more recognizable such as the Santos and the Tank while others are esoteric and lesser known such as the Faberge. A variation of the classic, the Faberge, also known as the incurve, was released as part of the famous Louis Cartier collection in the 1970s alongside other renowned models such as the Gondole, Cristallor and Bamboo Coussin.

Introduced in two sizes and in both white and yellow gold, the 78101 is essentially a derivative of the tank with rounded edges. With a rectangular case shape that is lightly curved with soft, rounded edges, the Faberge is easily recognizable within the LC collection. Featuring a quintessentially Cartier dial with Roman numerals and inner railroad track adorned with the Paris signature at the six, the Faberge is powered by ETA-based Cal. 78/1 manual-winding movement.

When one speaks of Cartier, the allure draws from the unique and distinctive case shapes. As a jewellery powerhouse, it’s clear that their eye for design has carried over into their timepieces and rather than focusing on competing on watchmaking, the brand has carved a niche within a crowded space to differentiate itself aesthetically. Outrageously classy may sound like a paradox but for the house of Cartier, it has become the true definition of the brand.