Vintage
Introduced to the world 97 years ago, the original Tank watch has left an almost legendary effect on the watch-making world. The Tank Normale, or Ordinaire, as it is called sometimes, was the first truly integrative watch design. The Tank's case and lugs are united as one, allowing for a seamless in
The Tank Normale, or Ordinaire, as it is called sometimes, was the first truly integrative watch design. The Tank's case and lugs are united as one, allowing for a seamless integration of the watch case and strap. By extension, the blending of the lugs and case make the watch both rectangular and square, an aesthetically innovative feat. The Tank was both elegant and utilitarian; its harmonious nature and the ingenuity of its design led to the Tank's immense popularity with both women and men alike. After its first release to the public in 1919, the Maison soon began to experiment with the Tank Normale's austere design, creating numerous variations, some of which can still be found in Cartier's lineup today.
The men's sized version of this icon has never changed in size over the years despite its rather long production run. The last incarnation of the watch, released in 1973, remained a modest 23 mm x 30 mm case size, preserving the exact proportions that it was given upon its inception. Interestingly, the men's sized version of this watch has always contained a manual winding movement, which cannot be said of most of the long-produced Tank variations.
Despite its marked influence, the Maison no longer produces this icon. Although it remained in the collection for a relatively long period of time, it does not appear to have been made in large numbers, as it is a watch not often found on the secondary market. Despite its low production numbers throughout the decades, only the earliest examples of the watch seem to be of any value to collectors, as sale prices seem to indicate. Unlike most of the early variations of the Tank, the Normale was conspicuously absent in the highly celebrated Collection Privée, Cartier Paris series.
The Tank Normale is certainly an understated, elegant timepiece, which truly transcends time. Although the originating model has seemingly been forgotten, its posterity concretes its status as one of the most important wristwatches of all time.
Thank you for sharing the heritage of the Cartier Tank Normale. An eternal classic indeed. I sometimes wish modern Tanks can be smaller. The good old days have nicer case sizes (at least for my small wrist) :) cheers robin
It would really be great if they revived the classically sized tanks. I too have small wrists (around 6.25 inches) and although they are quite beautiful, many of the new Tanks simply do not suit my wrist. The Tank Normale is definitely the smallest watch I own, but I prefer its size over some of the newer Tanks for men.
I was very surprised, It is after all thé historical piece, just like the Crash watch that was also missing. But I am sure Cartier will release the Tank Normale one day, in a larger case. Their focus now is on the Tank Anglaise and the Tank MC. Thanks for showing the watch, it looks very good on your wrist. GEO
I am sure it will be brought back as well, hopefully for the 100th anniversary of its creation! I would enjoy seeing it in a slightly larger case size - perhaps around the size of the medium Tank Francaise (which I also own and love), or even the large model. I really do hope it is not only offered in a Tank MC or Tank Louis XL size - I simply won't be able to wear it if that is the case.
The high-polish finish and multiple planes of the design make this deceivingly simple watch a theatre of light. Like the earliest tanks, this more contemporary version features a convex sapphire crystal. The crown bears a marked resemblance to the Tank Americaine, an elongated and more streamlined variation on this watch.
on the Tank Normale. Thank for sharing yours! If Cartier would decide to release the Tank Normale again in a larger case and preferable with Breguet style hands, it would be a killer watch. GEO
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