This is the Cartier Tank LC reference WGTA0091. 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 types of Tank to leverage on the success of the model. Among the many Cartier timepieces, the Tank is arguably their most recognizable model alongside the Santos.

Being a highly popular and identifiable model from Cartier, it’s no surprise that the Tank has been the model with the most variations. Storied and legendary, it has become an icon for the brand and one of the most noteworthy time-only watches. In 2021, Cartier re-released a hit from the 1980s with the new Must de Cartier models in three colour variations and a year later, another with a black lacquer dial - all in steel with quartz movements. Quietly, the 2022 release was accompanied by a new Tank Louis Cartier in 18K yellow gold that was paired also with a black lacquer dial.

It was not a model covered by excessively by mainstream media given that it was neither exactly a re-issue nor a limited production model. Stoic and understated, the new Tank LC with the black lacquer dial represented the next evolution of the modern collection. As far as modern Tanks go, this reference is truly representative of quiet luxury.

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 to set itself apart. In many ways, the Tank is wholly representative of Cartier with its unapologetic and unwavering confidence of evolving while never changing its essence.