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 Tank Solo W1018755 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch W/Papers 2012
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Tank Solo Small Ladies Watch (Model W1018755) features a quartz movement and is crafted in an 18k yellow gold rectangular case measuring 31.0 x 24.4 mm. It has a stainles...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Française 2302 28mm Automatic Stainless Steel Large Watch
By Cartier
Located in Westport, CT
An authentic Cartier Tank Française automatic wristwatch, reference 2302. Featuring a square stainless steel case housing a silver guilloche dial with black Roman numerals, blued ste...
Sapphire, Stainless Steel, Steel
Cartier Tank Française 2465 25mm Quartz Stainless Steel Midsize Watch
By Cartier
Located in Westport, CT
An authentic Cartier Tank Française midsize quartz wristwatch, reference 2465. Featuring a 25 mm stainless steel case (excluding the crown), a white dial with bold black Roman numera...
Sapphire, Quartz, Stainless Steel, Steel
Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, Black Leather Strap
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Elevate your wrist with timeless sophistication in this Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic, a contemporary reinterpretation of Cartier’s iconic Tank design. Crafted in polished stainless...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Française Stainless Steel Medium Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel Cartier Tank Française watch, medium model, featuring a classic silvered dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a sapphire crystal. Powered by a reliable quartz...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Series: Santos Case Diameter: 24 mm Bracelet: 18k yellow gold & stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Off-white Dial The sale includes a Cartier watch box a...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Diamond Quartz Women's Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Model: Divan Reference: 2599 Case Size: 20 x 32mm Movement: Quartz Stone: Diamond Material: Stainless Steel, Leather Strap Size: 6.5" Weight: 32 Grams Condition: Great...
Stainless Steel
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Womens Watch Ref. 2385
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Tank Française Ref. 2385 is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold with the collection’s signature clean rectangular case design. The compact 20mm case gives the watch a refin...
18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Cartier Paris 18k gold ladies watch with a Roman numeral dial and the classic Cartier style blue sword-shaped hour markers. Manual wind movement with a screw-down crown and s...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Cintree 18K Yellow Gold Dual Time Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A sophisticated interpretation of one of Cartier's most iconic designs, this Cartier Tank Cintrée Dual Time watch is crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and features the elegant elo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Mid Size Unisex Steel Quartz Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Cartier Tank Francaise, Reference 2465 Mid Size Wrist Watch, 25 x 20 M.M. Stainless Steel Water Resistant Case. Quartz Movement, Silvered White Dial with Black Roman Numer...
Steel
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 inch wide Cartier link bracelet with Deployment buckle. Wrist Size 6 1/2 inches. Recently serviced by a Cartier certified...
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Solo Mid Size Stainless Steel Ref 3170 Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2020 Cartier Tank Solo Reference 3170, Wrist Watch, 30 x 24 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel water resistant case, Sapphire set crown, Quartz movement, Silver Satin dial with Black...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Stainless Steel Watch W51003Q3 2301
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Stainless Steel Watch W51003Q3 2301 - Quartz. Midsize Tank Francaise. Stainless steel case (25mm x 30mm). Ivory colored dial with black Roman numerals....
Cartier Tank Solo Large Yellow Gold and Steel Quartz Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2018 Cartier Tank Solo reference 2742 Large Wrist Watch. 34 X 27 MM water resistant 18k Yellow Gold with Steel Case back, Sapphire crown, Scratch resistant sapphire crystal, qu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Cartier Santos de Cartier Automatic Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel Watch 4075
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
1904, Louis Cartier granted the wish of the famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont: to be able to tell time while flying. The birth of one of the first ever wristwatches seal...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Solo 18K Yellow Gold Watch W5200002
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301925 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2021 Model W5200002 Serial Number 31********** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Sapphire Weight 36 g Condition Excellent Other Info Mov...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Solo 18K Yellow Gold Watch W5200002
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301896 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2021 Model W5200002 Serial Number 31********** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Materials Calfskin Stones Sapphire Weight Approximately 32.7 g...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Must de Cartier Watch Large Model with Black Calfskin Strap
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Cartier Tank Must watch showcases the iconic rectangular silhouette that has defined timeless elegance for generations. Its sleek steel case offers a clean, modern presence whil...
Steel
Cartier Tank Solo Extra-Large WSTA0029 Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301744 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2021 Model WSTA0029 Serial Number 38********** Metal Stainless steel Materials Calfskin Stones Sapphire Weight 62.12 g Condition Ex...
Sapphire, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Solo 18K Rose Gold Small Model W5200024 Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301601 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2017 Model W5200024 Serial Number 3168******** Metal 18k Rose Gold Materials Calfskin Stones Sapphire Weight Approximately 32.93 g ...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Tank Solo 18K Rose Gold Brown Leather Wristwatch W5200025
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77701314 Comes With Full Set Cartier box and Cartier card Date 2020 Model W5200025 Large model Serial Number 31********** Metal Calfskin, 18k Rose Gold Weight Approximately 38.8...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Solo 18k Rose Gold Brown Leather Wristwatch W5200024
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301301 Comes With Full Set Cartier box and Cartier card Date 2024 Model W5200024 Serial Number 31********** Metal 18k Rose Gold Weight Approximately 31.4 g Condition Excellent ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Solo 18k Yellow Gold Watch W5200004
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301105 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2019 Model Tank Solo Serial Number 3167******** Metal 18k Yellow Gold, Stainless steel Condition Excellent Other Info Approximate D...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.36 in W 0.22 in Dm 1.07 in
Cartier Tank Solo 18K Rose Gold Steel Silver Dial Quartz Watch W5200004
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Basic Details Brand: Cartier Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model: Cartier Tank Solo Model Number: W5200004 Style: Casual Year Manufactured: 2010-...
Rose Gold
Cartier Tank Solo Steel Python Dial Quartz Ladies Watch W5200021
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. The watch comes with an additional band.
Steel
Cartier Tank Solo 18k Yellow Gold Watch W1018755
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2420 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2009 Model W1018755 Serial Number 27*********X Metal 18k Yellow Gold Condition Excellent _________________________________________ Warranty E...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Solo 3170 Full Set 2016
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
What an elegant and classy timepiece. Definitely one that you cannot see too many of around. This Cartier Tank Solo arrives with us as a complete full set with box, wallet and both m...
Steel
