Investment Portfolio is a series where Associate Director Kristen Nichols takes an in-depth look at the best designer buys and examines them, from new seasonal additions to timeless heirloom items.
It has been called the world’s most prestigious watch and the pinnacle of timeless watches. Now, more than a century old, cartier tank watch It’s hotter than ever. It was created in 1917 by Louis Cartier, who designed it after the tanks of World War I battlefields, and the aesthetics were so ahead of its time that the 107-year-old watch looks as modern today as it did when it was released. Time was visible. Despite its origins over a century ago, the Tank watch is one of the most sought-after items in the luxury fashion sector in 2024. A now-iconic, classic piece that truly transcends time.
This comes at a time when more women are entering the world of watches in a significant way. While the watch industry is traditionally male-dominated, we have seen women making a bigger presence in it, both from an expert standpoint and a buying standpoint. On social media, in particular, we are seeing a new wave of experts who are educating their audiences about the world of watches and inspiring a new generation of collectors. These include Brian Wallner dimepieceTrang Trinh’s girls o’clockAnd malaika crawford Hodinkee’s. Their content on TikTok and Instagram is both informative and entertaining, making the world of watching a fun, less intimidating place to enter. Cartier, in particular, is leading the growing timepiece market, with searches set to more than double from 2023 to 2024, according to a report From luxury resale platform Fashionfile.
In recent seasons, we’ve seen a growing interest in pieces that transcend trends across all categories, and that includes watches. “My biggest takeaway from 2024 is the continued importance of making conscious investments in your wardrobe,” product source Gabe Waller shared with Who What Wear On. The state of luxury shopping in 2024“Luxury fashion is about purchasing high quality items that will stand the test of time.” This sentiment is echoed by SourceWhere’s Erica Wright. “As luxury prices rise, people are moving ahead of trends, investing in pieces with real lasting power. Sourcing rare, coveted items reflects a shift from impulse buying to intentional, collectible shopping. Consumers like Looking for pieces that go beyond one season and last for years.” The Cartier Tank watch stands out as one of the most coveted and classic watches in this ever-changing market, and buyers have made it clear that they are interested in purchasing this timeless piece. To dive in, I looked at the history of celebrities and style icons who have collected it, and learned more about the iconic Cartier Tank watch.
The Cartier Tank watch has a rich history with collectors, including celebrities and tastemakers, who have been purchasing and wearing the timepiece for many decades. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was given an engraved gold tankard from her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw Radziwill, in 1962—which was later purchased by Kim Kardashian for $379,500 at a Christie’s rare watch auction in 2017. Caroline Bessette-Kennedy regularly wore a Tank watch, which she was often seen wearing on the streets of New York. Princess Diana owned a Cartier Tank Louis which she was photographed wearing in the 90s. It has also been worn by Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Muhammad Ali, Andy Warhol, Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi and Tyler, the Creator.
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According to this, searches for Cartier watches increased by 104% in 2024 fashion loverIn the report, the value of the Panthere watch is seen doubling from 2023 to 2024. The Bagnoire watch has seen a similar rise in popularity. the new York Times The Bagnoir watch has been called “the talk of the town” as it has taken hold of the fashion set and new models have been introduced including bangle versions, monogram designs and diamond-studded styles. During 2024, the Penthier and Bagnoir watches maintained their popularity, but the classic Tank watch set on a leather band dominated. “It seems like recently the trend and our interest is back to basics and that applies to watches as well,” Tring shared with Who’s What Wear on the changes in the watch market in 2024.
Description of the Cartier Tank Must and Cartier Tank Louis watches.
(Image credit: WWW)
In recent years, watches have exploded in the fashion world, reflected in sales numbers, new experts, and the rise of online destinations for watch enthusiasts, including Wristcheck and Houdini. according to fashion loverThe women’s watch market alone, which was valued at $23.7 billion in 2019, is projected to grow to $26.7 billion by 2027. The report also found that buyers are getting younger, with Gen Z-aged women investing in luxury, analog watches.
Taking inspiration from Renault tanks on the Western Front in World War I, Louis Cartier created the Tank Watch in 1917 and soon after, the first prototype of the Tank Watch was presented to General John J. Pershing was presented as a gift. This watch did not officially hit the market until 1919. The shape of the case is inspired by the rectangular silhouette of the tank, while the branched sides of the case resemble the tank’s treads. With its clean, precise lines and distinctive, elegant aesthetic, the tank quickly became an investment purchase and collector’s item. Over the years, the watch has inspired many variations.
(Image credit: WWW)
The Cartier Tank family includes several models including the Francaise, Cintri, American, Must and Louis. The most popular current styles are the Must and Louis dress watches set on leather bands, which closely resemble the original Tank design. Although both models have similar looks, there are some key differences in their design. The Louis takes inspiration from the original Cartier Tank and is designed from precious materials, while the Must is designed from materials that keep it at a more accessible price point on the market.
The Cartier Tank Louis is more than just a watch, it is a category-defining work of art and the most famous dress watch ever designed. The Tank Louis was introduced in 1922 and closely resembles the original Tank (now known as the Tank Normale) designed by Louis Cartier. This watch set the standard for luxury dress watches and remains the blueprint for the entire category. Tank Louis has a long history among collectors who are known for their impeccable taste and classic design. This watch is closely linked to the rise in elegant style which has been linked to the rise in timeless investment purchases this year.
Although the importance of this watch lies in its rich history, its beauty lies in the design details, craftsmanship and luxurious materials. It is crafted with an 18-karat yellow gold case and buckle, an alligator-skin strap in a rich shade of chestnut, a precious sapphire cabochon and, of course, the signed elegant dial. The interchangeable strap allows you to personalize the watch and adapt it to many occasions.
Test-driving the Cartier Tank Louis watch proved that it has the power to transform even the simplest of looks. I styled it with a striped silk button-down shirt and jeans—an outfit that took me everywhere from work appointments to dinner. The dress watch also lends itself to more formal occasions, including anything from a wedding to a cocktail party – and is the perfect piece to create an elegant look.
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For those looking for a design similar to the Tank Lewis watch at a more accessible price, check out the Tank Must. Nearly identical in design, this style achieves a comparable look for a fraction of the price. This is achieved with less precious materials including steel, calfskin leather and synthetic cabochons. However, the design is just as timeless and just as impressive.
The Tank Must also features a silver and black colorway making it an everyday accessory that works for minimalists and maximalists alike. Perhaps that’s why it has earned a coveted place in the wardrobe of the fashion set. It’s a piece that fits seamlessly with a timeless wardrobe, which is why it’s become the watch that insiders are reaching for the most.
I tested the tank must with a variety of looks and quickly found that it was a must-have. Paired with a black mini dress, trench coat and pochette bag with silver hardware, the coordinating metals felt harmonious when paired together. I also styled the watch with a tank top, cigarette pants, and a woven leather clutch — all in black — and adding the watch made the simple look feel complete and intentional.
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The Cartier Tank Mini debuted at Watches & Wonders in April 2024 and was released in September 2024. Of all the timepieces that debuted this year, this was easily one of the most talked about. When speaking with Crawford, she shared that the shrunken version was her prediction for the next cult purchase.
This viewpoint was shared by more experts across the industry, who were enthusiastic about the subtle proportions of the classic watch. Although I didn’t get a chance to test the Cartier Tank Mini myself, it’s already a popular item among celebrities and watch enthusiasts.
Trinh shared, “Cartier’s Classic Tank returns in smaller form this year and it’s ready to take over our social media feeds. The watch measures 16.5mm in width, yet it’s no more delicate than its Classic Tank Louis counterpart. Looks like.” Learn about the biggest watches for 2024. “The Tank Mini has historically not been a new release for Cartier, but rather a re-release of models sold in the late ’80s and early ’90s. But today’s clean-cut fashion has drawn attention to bold colors, has moved away from silhouettes and runway moves and developed it into a respect for craftsmanship and this is where the magic lies – the brand history is similar to Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato revival in recent years, this smaller The tank is more than just a miniature, it is a testament to enduring beauty.”
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