In 1917, Louis Cartier squared up. The introduction of the first Cartier Tank heralded a new way of horological thinking, with the rectangular timepiece taking on a streamlined approach defined by rectilinear forms; the case flowing in the same line as the strap it sat on. Launched in 1996, the Cartier Tank Française represented a sportier yet more sober alternative to the dressier Tank styles — such as the Louis and Américaine — with its integrated bracelet and chunky case appealing to tastemakers and notable personnel alike.
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Utilising the same aesthetic codes as the Tank, the Tank Française takes a more neoclassical approach. The combination of its chunky monobloc metal case, sharp horizontal and vertical lines that promote clarity of form, and ergonomic design renders the Tank Française timeless while keeping time. Its sophisticated yet subdued approach has meant the Tank Française went unchanged for almost three decades.
Now, its first redesign sees the rectilinear lines and muscular nature of the Tank Française further emphasised. An exercise in restraint, the Tank Française is pared-back even more; previously, three end links connected the case to the bracelet. These have been swapped for a single end link, resulting in a smoother transition from case to watch. The polished surfaces characteristic of the Tank Française have made way for brushed satin finishes which speak to its understated nature, as does the crown which is now more integrated into the case. On the dial itself, numerals are applied rather than printed and feature either a sunray (smaller models) or satin (medium and large steel models) finish.
The reimagined Cartier Tank Française is executed in both steel and gold, with the latter also available in diamond-encrusted variations. Both metals come in small and medium sizes with quartz movements, with a large automatic variation also available in steel.
To celebrate the avant-garde spirit of the Tank Française, Cartier enlisted French cinematic legend Catherine Deneuve and Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek to star in a short film directed by British filmmaker Guy Ritchie.
A tribute to the passing of time and the intangible, nuanced links between people, the film sees both actors meet in the middle of the Pont Alexandre III in Paris, crossing ages and eras throughout Deneuve’s career, recreating iconic moments from her leading roles in Umbrellas of Cherbourg by Jacques Demy, Indochine by Regis Wargnier, and Place Vendôme by Nicole Garcia. Meanwhile, Malek effortlessly slips into the role of the multi-talented artist, capturing Deneuve through time. All the while, a Cartier Tank Française remains on the wrist, a subtle yet poignant reminder that a true classic always endures.
The new Cartier Tank Française is priced from $5,250AUD onwards and is now available via the Cartier webstore.
Words by T. Angel
