It is surprising how many fine watch and jewellery icons are inspired by basic, utilitarian items: the Cartier Clou, modelled on a humble nail; the Tiffany Keys collection, inspired by vintage door keys; or the Jack de Boucheron collection, inspired by simple jack cables. Perhaps the ultimate example? The Cartier Tank timepiece, inspired by the military vehicles of the First World War.

One of the most searched-for watches on Google, the popularity of the Tank remains steadfast thanks to its timeless silhouette, Art Deco design codes and easy-to-wear elegance.

The history

First crafted in 1917, the Tank was designed by the maison’s founder, Louis François Cartier, three years into the unrest of WWI. Cartier was inspired by the firm lines and stately proportions of the Renault Tanks used on the Western Front, wishing to create a timepiece that captured their practical yet refined design and engineering. The rectangular silhouette of the Tank timepiece echoes the top view of the vehicle – the watch’s brancards evoke the treads, and the case represents the cockpit.

Part of the Tank’s audacious appeal lay in its break from the design codes that were popular at the time – curvaceous, round dial designs reigned supreme, and the Tank ushered in a new era of Art Deco design.

Courtesy of Cartier

The sub-collections

Since its…