Cartier Tank watch is one of the major investments

“Investment Portfolio” is a series in which Associate Director Kristen Nichols delves into the pieces the best designers buy and test drive, from seasonal new releases to timeless heirlooms.

It has been called the world’s most iconic watch and the pinnacle of timeless watches. More than a century later, Cartier Tank watches are more popular than ever. This watch was created by Louis Cartier in 1917 and was designed after a World War I battlefield tank. Its aesthetics were so ahead of its time that the 107-year-old watch looks as modern today as it did when it was released. Despite making its original debut more than a century ago, tank watches stand out as one of the most sought-after items in the luxury fashion field in 2024. It is truly a timeless and now iconic classic item.

This comes at a time when more women are entering the world of watches in a big way. Although the watch industry is traditionally male-dominated, we’ve seen women have a greater presence within it, both from a professional perspective and from a shopping perspective. Social media in particular is seeing a new wave of experts educating their audiences about the world of watches and inspiring a new generation of collectors. Among them are Bryn Wallner of Dime Pieces, Tran Trinh of Girls O’Clock and Malaika Crawford of Hodinkee. The content on TikTok and Instagram is informative and entertaining, making the world of watches a fun and less scary place. Cartier, in particular, has become a leader in the growing watch market, with searches more than doubling from 2023 to 2024, according to a report by luxury goods resale platform Fashion Phil.

Recent seasons have seen an increased interest in timeless pieces across all categories, including watches. “My biggest takeaway for 2024 is that consciously investing in your wardrobe continues to be important,” says product sourcing executive Gabe Waller of the state of luxury shopping in 2024. told Wat Weah. “High-end fashion stands the test of time,” echoed Erica Wright of Sourcewhere. “As the price of luxury goods rises, people are moving beyond trends and investing in items that truly have staying power. Sourcing rare and iconic items has changed from impulse buys to deliberate collectibles. The Cartier Tank watch is the most iconic and classic of this changing market. clock 1 It stands out as one of the most popular products, and shoppers have made it clear that they are interested in purchasing this timeless item. To get a closer look at this watch, I delved into its history. Learn more about Cartier’s iconic Tank watch.

Cartier Tank watches have a rich history associated with celebrities, tastemakers, and other collectors who have bought and worn them over the decades. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis received an engraved gold tank as a gift from her brother-in-law, Prince Stanisław Radziwill, in 1962. The piece was later purchased by Kim Kardashian for $379,500 at Christie’s Rare Watches Auction in 2017. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy regularly wore Tank watches, and she was often photographed wearing them on the streets of New York. Princess Diana owns a Cartier Tank Louis and was photographed wearing it in the 90s. Also worn by Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Muhammad Ali, Andy Warhol, Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi and Tyler, The Creator.

According to Fashionphile, searches for Cartier watches increased by 104% in 2024. According to the report, the value of Panther watches doubled from 2023 to 2024. Baignoire watches are also becoming increasingly popular. The New York Times called the Baignoire watch “the talk of the town” as it became a fixture in the fashion world and new models were introduced, including bangle versions, monogram designs, and diamond-encrusted styles. In 2024, Panthère and Baignoire watches remained popular, but classic tank timepieces set on leather bands dominated. “Recent trends and our tastes seem to be going back to basics, and this applies to watches as well,” Tring told Who What Wear about how the watch market will change in 2024.

Cartier Tank Mast and Cartier Tank Louis watch details.

Watches have exploded in the fashion world in recent years, and that’s reflected in sales numbers, new professionals, and the rise of online destinations for watch enthusiasts like Wristcheck and Hodinkee. The women’s watch market alone was worth $23.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $26.7 billion by 2027, according to Fashionphile. The report also found that shoppers are skewing younger, with more Gen Z women investing in luxury and analog products. clock.

Louis Cartier created the Tank Watch in 1917, inspired by the Renault tanks of World War I’s Western Front, and shortly after, the first prototype of the Tank Watch was given to General John J. Pershing. It was given as a gift. It wasn’t until 1919 that the watch officially debuted on the market. The shape of the case is inspired by the rectangular silhouette of a tank, and the blank cards on the sides of the case resemble tank treads. With its clean, precise lines and unique, elegant aesthetic, the tank quickly became an investment and collector’s item. Over the years, this watch has produced numerous variations.

The Cartier Tank family includes a wide range of models, including the Française, Cintre, Americane, Must, and Louis models. Among the most popular styles today are the Must Dress Watch set on a leather band and the Louis Dress Watch, both of which closely resemble the original Tank design. Although the two models look similar, there are some important differences in design. While Louis is designed using precious materials, taking inspiration from the original Cartier Tank, the mast is designed using materials that are more affordable on the market.

The Cartier Tank Louis is more than just a watch, it’s a category-defining work of art and the most legendary dress watch ever designed. The Tank Louis debuted in 1922 and most closely resembles the original Tank (now known as the Tank Normal) designed by Louis Cartier. This timepiece set the standard for luxury dress watches and continues to be the blueprint for the entire category. Tank Louis has a long history among collectors, known for its impeccable taste and eye for classic design. This watch is closely associated with the rise of elegant style, which has led to an increase in timeless investment purchases this year.

While the importance of this watch is related to its rich history, its beauty lies in its design details, craftsmanship, and luxurious materials. Finished with an 18K yellow gold case and buckle, a rich maroon alligator strap, precious sapphire cabochons, and, of course, the signature elegant dial. Interchangeable straps allow you to customize your watch to suit different occasions.

Our test drive of the Cartier Tank Louis watch proved that it has the power to change your look with ease. Paired with a striped silk button-down shirt and jeans, it was an outfit that would take me anywhere from work appointments to dinner. Dress watches are also suitable for more formal occasions, from weddings to cocktail parties, and are the perfect addition to an elegant look.

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Those looking for a similar design to the Tank Louis watch at a more affordable price should consider the Tank Mast. Although the design is nearly identical, this style provides a comparable look at a fraction of the price. This is achieved using less precious materials such as steel, calfskin leather, and synthetic cabochons. However, its design is timeless and continues to make an impact.

The Tank Mast also features a silver and black colorway, making it an everyday accessory that works for minimalists and maximalists alike. Perhaps that’s why it has earned a coveted spot in the closets of the fashion set. It’s a timeless piece that fits perfectly into your wardrobe, making it one of the most coveted watches by watch enthusiasts.

I test drove different looks of tank masts and quickly found this one to be a must-have. The metal coordination of the black mini dress, trench coat, and pochette bag finished with silver hardware was a beautiful combination. She also styled her watch with a tank top, cigarette pants, and a braided leather clutch, all in black. The addition of the clock completed the simple look and made it feel intentional.

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The Cartier Tank Mini debuted at Watches and Wonders in April 2024 and was released in September 2024. Of all the watches that debuted this year, it was definitely one of the most talked about. When I spoke with Crawford, she said the miniature was a prediction of the next cult buy.

This attitude was shared across the industry by many experts who were excited by the minute proportions of classic watches. I didn’t have a chance to test drive the Cartier Tank Mini myself, but it’s already a popular model among celebrities and watch enthusiasts.

“Cartier’s classic Tank is back in mini form this year and is ready to take over our social media feeds. Although the watch is 16.5mm wide, it has a more delicate feel than the classic Tank Louis watches. No,” Trinh said. “Historically speaking for Cartier, the Tank Mini itself is not a new release, but rather a re-release of a later model.” However, the clean-cut fashion of the 80s and early 90s was characterized by loud colors, silhouettes, Shifting the focus away from the runway gimmicks, it’s all about the craftsmanship and the magic, just like Bottega. Veneta has recently revived the Intrecciato, and this small tank is more than just a miniature, it is a testament to timeless elegance. ”

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