Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Full Set 2016
View Similar Items
Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Full Set 2016
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Case Material:
- Case Shape:Rectangle
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.23 in (31 mm)Width: 0.91 in (23 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2016
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: CHW54471stDibs: LU3915222529912
Tank Solo Watch
It has graced the wrist of Andy Warhol, Princess Diana and Yves Saint Laurent, not to mention decorated American war generals. Designed in 1917, Cartier’s Tank watch just may be one of the most famous — and beloved — timepieces in history. In 2004, Cartier introduced the Tank Solo watch, which, according to the company’s description, “honors the unique aesthetic of the original Tank” with its “simple but contemporary design.”
The roots of Cartier’s Tank watch run back to the end of the first World War. Louis Cartier (1875–1942), grandson of the legendary French jewelry house’s founder Louis-François Cartier, was reportedly inspired by the shape of the French Renault FT-17 light tanks used on the Western Front and designed a timepiece whose shape mimicked the silhouette of the tank from above (and whose small-but-powerful movement paid homage to the compact power of the FT-17). Cartier presented the prototype of the Tank watch to General John Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force.
Despite its massive popularity now, over a century later, the Cartier Tank watch was quite a niche item for many years. In its inaugural year, only six were made, and for many years after that annual production was around 100 watches or less. But by the mid-20th century, it had become a popular timepiece for men and women alike: In 1963, Prince Stanisław Radziwiłł gifted one to his sister-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy. That watch, which bears an inscription in Radziwiłł’s own handwriting, would go on to sell for $379,500 at auction — to a modern-day icon of sorts, Kim Kardashian.
In the years since its introduction, Cartier has expanded the Tank collection to include such versions as the Tank Louis Cartier, Tank Americaine and Tank Française, each of which riff in different ways on the original design.
Much like the first Tank models, the Tank Solo watch is characterized by its rectangular case with rounded, metal edges (which seamlessly incorporate its lugs), a dial with serifed Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a Cartier signature — the iconic crown of sapphire cabochon. Cartier now offers 11 models of the Tank Solo watch, including options in leather, stainless steel, yellow gold and rose gold, as well as a variety of sizes. It remains a favorite timepiece for its elegant, understated design — and perhaps a bit for its cachet, too.
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Cartier Panthere Cougar 2-Row 183964 Full Set 1993By CartierLocated in London, GBWe have given this a complete service and a polish. The watch is presented with both inner and outer boxes, pouch, wallet, manuals and papers dated 1993. This Cartier Cougar, model...Category
1990s British Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Cartier Tank Francaise 2300 Watch and Papers 1997By CartierLocated in London, GBThis elegant Cartier Tank Francaise is presented with a Cartier holder, manuals and warranty papers dated 1997 in addition to our 12-month warranty. The Cartier Tank Francaise, mode...Category
1990s British Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Tudor Chronautic Chronograph 79390/P Full Set 2007By TudorLocated in London, GBThis very rare Tudor Chronautic is presented in both excellent working order as well as condition and is accompanied by its inner and outer boxes, manuals, wallet and warranty card d...Category
Early 2000s British Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 1330By CartierLocated in London, GBWatch: Cartier Must De 21 Stock Number: CHW5409 Price: £995.00 A huge amount of watch for under £1000! Its a classic Cartier that won't cost the earth and looks the part. 31mm stai...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
- ATP British Military unsignedLocated in London, GBWatch: ATP British Military Unsigned Stock Number: CHW5298 Price: £500.00 At the beginning of world war two, The British Army needed watches for its troops fighting overseas. They acquired watches from many brands under the new Army Trade Pattern or A.T.P. These watches were often civilian watches slightly modified to meet the hurried specification issued by the British Army. This is a civilian watch issued with Army paybook ref engraved on caseback quite a rare occurrence as the watch finish is to retail standard and not military. Measuring 31mm diameter and 38mm lug to lug. Stainless steel case with screwback. Mid case composite chrome base metal bezel...Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- West End Watch Company Secundus Indian Army WatchBy West End Watch CompanyLocated in London, GBWatch: West End Watch Company - Secundus Stock Number: CHW5424 Price: £495.00 This West End Watch Company Secundus model watch was sold and issued to the Indian Army mainly serving in 1922 across Iran, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Palestine. Generally, not recognised as a military issued watch however being clearly marked, in our view it is just that, a rare Indian Military watch White Enamel dial with both steel hands and. Dial stamped hour markers with the 12 in red and subsidiary seconds above the 6. For the age of the watch the movement is in good order. 30mm steel case fitted to a generic brown leather strap and buckle, period looking. A small watch...Category
Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Cartier Solo Tank Watch 2011By CartierLocated in Saint Ouen, FRCARTIER Solo Tank Watch Supplied with its carrying case Black crocodile strap. CIRCA 2011 WATER RESISTANT Steel, diamonds, quartz and sapphire crown. Cart...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
MaterialsQuartz, Sapphire
- Cartier Tank Americane Large Size, Automatic, Full Set, B & P, circa 2006By CartierLocated in Santa Monica, CAIntroduction: Cartier Tank Americane (W2603256) self - winding automatic watch, features a 18K white gold rectangular case measuring 27mm x 45mm. The dial is silver with Guilloché ...Category
Early 2000s European Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Cartier Tank Solo Stainless Steel W5200014 3169By CartierLocated in Dallas, TXCartier Tank Solo Stainless Steel W5200014 3169 - Quartz. Stainless steel (27 x 34mm). Silver dial with black Roman numerals. Stainless St...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
- Cartier Tank Basculante Ref 2390 Mécanique 'Manual' Rectangle Watch, Full SetBy CartierLocated in MELBOURNE, AUInspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks, Cartier Tank Wristwatches are iconic & instantly recognizable timepieces. This particular example is a sophisticated Cartier Tank Basculante reference 2390, seldom encountered & highly desirable. With its most pivotal feature - flip feature with reversible case (inspired by JLC's the Reverso watch...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Cartier Tank Solo Stainless Steel XL W5200028 3800By CartierLocated in Dallas, TXCartier Tank Solo Stainless Steel XL W5200028 3800 - Automatic. Stainless steel (31 x 41mm). Silver dial with black Roman numerals with da...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
- Cartier Tank FrançaiseBy CartierLocated in Oyster Bay, NYThe Cartier Tank Francaise ref. 2303, is a luxurious and classic timepiece that exudes elegance and sophistication. Featuring a steel case and bracelet, this watch has a sleek rectan...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.