Review
SJX introduces the return of the mechanical Tank Louis Cartier, a significant release unveiled at SIHH. This article highlights Cartier's re-commitment to mechanical movements for this classic model after years of quartz-only versions. SJX provides a detailed look at the new Tank LC XL, focusing on its dimensions, movement, and its place within Cartier's contemporary offerings.
Cartier just unveiled this at SIHH in January. This is the first mechanical Louis Cartier Tank in several years, before this the only versions available were unfortunately all quartz, including one that had an awful looking date window at 3 o'clock.
Tank LC XL in rose gold
This newest version of the Tank LC is much slimmer than any Tank before, and also much larger. Its dimensions are 40.4 mm by 33 mm, so it is large and very flat; consequently the Tank LC XL makes quite a statement on the wrist, despite its simplicity. Most ultra-thin watches are round, so the Tank LC really stands out.
Tank Anglaise XL with Tank Louis Cartier XL
Its size might make it a little too large for some wrists though, so hopefully Cartier will introduce a large sized model in the future.
At 5.1 mm high it is the slimmest watch Cartier makes today. It is slimmer than the deployant buckle of the Santos 100, and also thinner than the new Tank Anglaise.
The movement inside is the ultra-thin Piaget cal. 430, a small, 9”’ movement that is just 2.1 mm high.
Though this has vastly different dimensions from earlier Tanks, visually it is practically identical. The dial is white with Roman numerals – Cartier secret signature at “VII” – and blued steel sword hands.
With four screws holding it together, the case construction is also identical to its predecessors. Two case metals are available for the Tank LC XL, rose gold and white gold.
Tank LC XL in white gold with diamonds
For most the Tank LC is the quintessential Tank for several reasons. One is because many of the famous personalities pictured wearing a Tank were wearing a Tank LC, Andy Warhol, Jackie Kennedy, Rudolph Valentino for example.
Another is because the Tank LC shape was used for the Les Must de Cartier Tanks in sterling silver or vermeil. These were made in the seventies and eighties and Cartier sold an unbelievable quantity of them. In fact most of the Cartier watches ever made were Les Must de Cartier timepieces.
Les Must de Cartier Tank, c. 1977
But interestingly the Tank LC is not the first Tank. It was only introduced in 1922, as a more refined version of the original Tank Normale of 1917 which had more angular lines, like an actual tank. The Tank LC had softer lines, characterised by the rounded corners of each of the lugs.
Cartier Tank Normale, c. 1920
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, c. 1925
The Tank LC is for me the ultimate Cartier formal watch. It is simple, immensely refined, yet distinctive.
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2012-05-12 03:32:26
The Cartier Santos 100 was introduced in 2004 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original Santos-Dumont watch. It represents a contemporary interpretation of the historic pilot's watch, featuring a larger and more robust case design compared to its predecessors. This model positioned itself as a sportier, more modern offering within the Santos collection, appealing to collectors seeking a bolder presence on the wrist while retaining the iconic square aesthetic.
The Santos 100 typically features a stainless steel or precious metal case, often with a brushed finish and polished bezel screws. Case dimensions vary, but common sizes include a large model around 51mm x 41mm. It is powered by an automatic mechanical movement, often a modified ETA caliber, providing reliable timekeeping. The crystal is usually sapphire, and water resistance is generally rated for daily wear.
For collectors, the Santos 100 is notable for its blend of heritage design with modern proportions and construction. It marked a significant update to the Santos line, moving towards a more substantial and contemporary aesthetic. Its robust build and versatile design made it a popular choice, bridging the gap between Cartier's dressier offerings and more overtly sporty watches.
And the movement is perfect for such watch. Thanks a lot for the excellent post SJX. Fx
no extra frills to muck up the dial. Sometimes less is more. Is the Les Must watch from 1977 a quartz or mechanical model? Along those lines, did Cartier switch to mostly quartz watches in the seventies to go with the trend, or were they still producing a decent amount of mechanical pieces? You had mentioned that Cartier sold alot of the Les Must in the seventies, and the way I understand it many of the brands we follow here were not selling many watches at all. I know Cartier is a much bigger e
Read this: cartier.watchprosite.com It is an interesting story. - SJX
watch: elegant, graceful, simple and yery thin. The Cartier LC Tank epitomizes the formal-wear watch. Thanks for the photos. tempusfugit
I was thrill that you mention in some earlier pot that Cartier is going to release a non-quartz tank. Counting days ... This watch is beautiful. at 40mm? The size intimidate me abit. Let's hope we'll see a more small wrist friendly size. Regards Tyler
for most wrists. You should try it some day. - SJX
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