C artier watches are renowned for their refined aesthetics and craftsmanship, often achieving remarkable prices at auctions. Here we explore the top six most expensive Carter Tank watches sold at Sotheby's, detailing their unique attributes and historical significance.
The Cartier Tank was designed in 1917, inspired by the shape of military tanks used during World War I, specifically the Renault FT-17. The official release of the Cartier Tank watch was in 1919. Its distinctive rectangular case and clean lines set it apart from other watches of the era. The Cartier Tank Louis emerged in the early 1920s, establishing the general design DNA of the Cartier Tank, with a rounded outer edge creating a more delicate look. The Cartier Tank would turn out to be highly influential in the subsequent designs of rectangular dress watches, cementing its importance in watch history.
The Cartier Tank watch steadily gained popularity in the following decades, with many famous wearers. In the world of film Elizabeth Taylor both owned and gifted multiple Cartier Tank watches, as part of her famous jewelry and watch collection. The artist Andy Warhol famously remarked “I don’t wear a Tank watch to tell the time. Actually I never even wind it. I wear a Tank because it is the watch to wear!”. The appeal of the Cartier Tank even extended to royalty, with Princess Diana owning both Tank Louis and later Carter Tank Francaise models. This certainly influenced a lasting affinity within Britain for Cartier's elegant watch designs that endures to this day.
The most expensive Cartier Tank watches sold at Sotheby's showcase the brand's unwavering dedication to elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship. Each item reflects a unique aspect of Cartier's rich horological and design heritage, making them treasured additions to any collection.
This Cartier Tank Cintrée sold for 315,000 CHF in November 2021 and is a quintessential example of Cartier's sophisticated design. Four years after the first Cartier Tank came into existence it was followed by the Cartier Tank Cintrée in 1921, which combined the ergonomic curved case profile of the Tonneau and the more modern brancards of the Tank. The Cartier Tank Cintrée drew inspiration from the early armored vehicles seen on the fronts of the First World War. This specific lot is a larger version of the London produced Cartier Tank Cintree, including assay marks on the case back interior and the makers mark “JC” for Jacques Cartier.
Its pristine condition and historical importance as a mid-20th century piece make it a highly sought-after collector's item. This watch commanded one of the highest prices at auction, reflecting its rarity and exquisite craftsmanship.
Another exceptional Cartier Tank Cintrée Circa 1969 sold for 240,000 GBP in May 2024. The Cartier Tank Cintrée was a triumph of form and function, marrying the ergonomic curved case profile of the Tonneau with the sleek lines of the Cartier Tank's brancards. The slender, elongated case and manual-winding movement are hallmarks of the Cartier Tank Cintrée line. This particular piece stands out for its excellent condition and provenance of late 60s Cartier London, adding to its desirability. The high auction price underscores its status as a rare and highly collectible Cartier Tank watch, cherished for both its aesthetic appeal and technical excellence.
Under the creative direction of Jacques Cartier, the Cartier London workshop emerged as a bastion of experimentation and boldness. While Paris and New York held their own in the world of luxury, it was London that pushed the boundaries, daring to challenge the status quo of watchmaking culture. Here, larger case sizes and unconventional designs flourished, defying convention and captivating the imagination of connoisseurs worldwide. In particular with exploring exaggerated forms, this London Cartier Tank Cintree exhibits a particularly curved case.
This Cartier Eight Days Tank Circa 1935 sold for 245,700 CHF in 2021. Eight day watches by Cartier are exceedingly rare. According to our research, probably less than 10 Cartier 8-day wristwatches made in the 1930’s- 1940’s are known. They were produced in different materials such as yellow, pink & white gold and platinum.
The present Cartier Eight Days Tank is in stainless steel and we believe that it is possibly unique. It features a beautiful twin-barrel European Watch & Clock Co. movement with two mainsprings, that can store enough energy for the watch to run continuously for eight straight days. The “ébauche” used for this movement is from LeCoultre cal. 124, which is almost identical to the Eight Day movement found in the Patek Philippe watch no.198.451, sold at Sotheby's New York in 1987 (lot 178)
To house this rectangular twin-barrel movement, the case shape that imposed itself was the "Tank Allongée". Contrary to the standard Tank and Tank Cintrée wristwatches of the 1920s and 30s, the case of the 8-day "Tank Allongée" is straight but features unusual down turned angular lugs. The size of the watch is perfectly suited for today’s taste in large watches.
With the arrival of self-winding, automatic wristwatches, the cost of producing Eight Day movements proved prohibitive; this would explain the extremely small numbers made.
Without any doubt the present Cartier "Tank Allongée Eight Day" perfectly exemplifies Cartier’s heritage of style and design and is among the most elegant Cartier wristwatches ever made.
This Cartier Grande Tank Cintrée in 18k yellow gold sold for 107,100 CHF in 2022. Distinguished by its large size and curved profile, the Cartier Grande Tank Cintrée ranks as one of the most iconic timepieces manufactured by Cartier. Since its launch in the 1920s, Cartier has produced many variations in nearly every subsequent era which attest to the popularity and desirability of this model. The Cartier Grande Tank Cintrée sold in 2022 was manufactured circa 1940 and cased in 18k yellow gold and will add a touch of sophistication paired with history to any horological collection or watch enthusiast.
This Cartier Tank Platinum Circa 1930 sold for 98,500 CHF in 2010. This Cartier Tank is a vintage masterpiece from Cartier's Tank collection. This watch features a 30.5 mm platinum case with an integrated brick link bracelet and yellow gold deployant buckle. The manual-winding movement, signed by the European Watch and Clock Co Inc, powers the cream dial with Roman numerals and blued steel moon hands. Despite some discoloration and scuffs, the watch's historical significance and intricate design make it a prized collectible. The inscription "7.4.31" on the case back adds to its memorialized vintage charm. The combination of platinum and yellow gold, along with the detailed craftsmanship, contributed to its high auction value, showcasing Cartier's timeless elegance.
This Cartier Tank Diamond Américaine sold for $27,720 December 2022. The Cartier Tank Americaine is a stunning illustration of Cartier's expertise in combining luxury and practicality.
This Cartier watch features a case and metal bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a lavish touch to the classic Cartier Tank design. It is powered by an automatic movement, ensuring precise and reliable timekeeping. The watch's exceptional craftsmanship and luxurious diamond embellishments make it a highly coveted piece. Its impressive auction price reflects the desirability of this model, celebrated for its exquisite design and opulent details.
Sotheby's is on hand to support with your next Cartier Tank purchase or sale. Options range from Cartier Tank watches available for immediate delivery through to exceptionally rare models presented at one of our sale locations. Work with Sotheby's Cartier specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
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