This is the Cartier Tank Louis 78086. Dating back to 1917, the Cartier Tank was originally inspired by war machines of the same name. Given the success of the original Tank Normale, the brand began to vary the model to leverage on its success. Among the many important Cartier timepieces from its storied heritage, the Tank is arguably their most recognizable model alongside the Santos. Indeed, one cannot tell the story of Cartier wristwatches without mentioning the Tank.

Being a highly popular and identifiable model from Cartier, it’s no surprise that the Tank has been the model with the most variations given that it has become an icon for the brand and one of the most noteworthy time-only watches. This reference, the 78086, was introduced after the reunification of Cartier in 1972 and the subsequent release of the Louis Cartier collection a year later.

Powered by the Cal. 78-1, the reference was the larger of the two Tank LCs that formed part of the now historic collection. Sported by celebrities such as Andy Warhol and Muhammad Ali, the 78086 retains many of the features associated with the brand such as a railroad minute track, blued steel hands and a matching blue cabochon. As with Cartiers introduced after 1977, this example includes the secret signature at the 7 and is stamped with Paris at the 6.

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.