Cartier Tank Française 1840 Yellow Gold Large Ladies Wristwatch
View Similar Items
Cartier Tank Française 1840 Yellow Gold Large Ladies Wristwatch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:NA
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU20422965773
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Steel and Yellow Gold Quartz WristwatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2015 Cartier Ladies Stainless Steel and 18K Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Wrist Watch, 25 X 20 MM Water Resistant Case, Quartz Movement, Scratch Resistant Crystal, Sapphire Crown,...Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold, Steel
- Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Ladies WristwatchBy CartierLocated in Stamford, CTClassic Cartier steel Francaise tank Date wristwatch. White parchment rectangle dial with black Roman Numerals. Stainless steel. Blue steel hour hands. Cabochon sapphire on the crown...Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Ladies Cartier Tank Francaise Wristwatch Ref 2403, Quartz, White Gold Case.By CartierLocated in Canterbury, GBOur lady's Cartier Tank Franciase reference 2403 features a 18k white gold 20mm case and is powered by a quartz movement. Presented in excellent condition with only light signs of us...Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
MaterialsWhite Gold
- Cartier Tank Francaise Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WE1001R8By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Tank Francaise Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WE1001R8. Quartz movement. Rectangular 18k yellow gold 20.0 x 25.0 mm case. Octagonal crown set with a diamond. Original Carti...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Cartier Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch WE1010R8 1840By CartierLocated in Dallas, TXCartier Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch WE1010R8 1840 - Automatic winding; date at 6 o'clock. 18k yellow gold case with two row diamonds (28 x 32mm ). Silver guilloche dia...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
- Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Tank Francaise 25, Ref 1821 Ladies Diamond WatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier 18K Yellow Gold Tank Francaise 1821 Ladies Diamond Watch. Yellow gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds and beaded crown set with one brilliant-cut diamond. Silvered beaded dia...Category
20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.