Designed in 1916 by Louis Cartier (1875–1942) — the grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier — the Tank watch, like few other wristwatches, has seen consistent success since its inception. A variation of the original called the Tank Française watch debuted in 1996 — a modern interpretation of the design that launched the line. Today, the Française is the most popular watch in the series.
Named as a tribute to the formidable Renault tanks that Louis Cartier observed on the Western Front during the first World War — the case was in itself intended to evoke a tank’s cockpit, while the rectangular brancards visually resemble the armored vehicle’s treads — Cartier’s original Tank watch was conceived as a gift from Louis to General John Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force that was stationed in Europe. In 1919, the design entered its first full year of production but was limited to just six watches, and for many years, Cartier manufactured less than 100 of the model annually.
Wholly rare and wonderfully unadorned, the Tank was an instant hit upon its debut (even as Cartier worried about marketing the piece to men and convincing them to ditch their beloved pocket watches). Subsequent variations, which include the admired Tank Chinoise, Tank Louis Cartier, Tank à Guichets and Tank Obus, are revered by watch lovers the world over, but the Tank Française is widely considered to be the pinnacle of contemporary Tank design. Princess Diana owned an all-gold Française, while former First Lady Michelle Obama was photographed for her official White House portrait with the stainless-steel version on her wrist.
Similar to the Panthère de Cartier watch, the Française was the first of the Cartier Tank series to have a chain-link bracelet — a prominent modification in lieu of the rest of the series’ leather straps. The collection’s characteristic black Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands remained intact for the Française, but the case is more square-shaped than the overtly rectangular original.
While it’s true that the Tank Française introduced a casual and more modern aesthetic to the French classic — and you might instead reach for your Panthère rather than your Tank Française to complement formal wear for a fancy cocktail party — this addition to the Tank series retains all of the elegance and sophistication of the original, sporty or not. It’s available with or without diamonds in stainless steel, yellow or pink gold and in a two-toned edition that features accents of both.
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Watch Small Model
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Tank Française small-model watch featuring a polished stainless-steel case and matching steel bracelet. The classic white dial is accented by blued-steel sword-shaped hands a...
Steel, 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 Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch W50001R2 1840
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch W50001R2 1840 - Automatic winding; date at 6 o'clock. Tank Francaise (Large). 18k yellow gold case (28 x 32mm ). Silver guilloche d...
Cartier Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch WE1010R8 1840
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Tank Francaise 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch WE1010R8 1840 - Automatic winding; date at 6 o'clock. Tank Francaise (Large). 18k yellow gold case with factory two row diamond bez...
Cartier Tank Française W50002N2 Small 18K Yellow Gold Watch W/Service Papers
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Tank Française W50002N2 / 2385 Ladies' Watch features a 20mm 18K yellow gold case. It has an ivory dial with blue steel hands and Roman numeral hour markers, along with minut...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Française W51008Q3 Small Steel Ladies Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Tank Française Small Steel Ladies' Quartz Watch (model W51008Q3) features a quartz movement and a rectangular stainless steel case measuring 20.0 x 25.0 mm. It has an octagon...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch embodies timeless sophistication. Its sleek stainless steel case exudes a modern charm, while the iconic dial showcases a blend of l...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Mid-Size SS Automatic Calendar Watch Iob Ref. 2302
By Cartier
Located in Richmond, CA
A Cartier Mid-size (32mm) Tank Francaise bracelet watch in stainless steel (Ref.2302). The Swiss made movement is automatic winding. The dial is silver with black roman numeral markers and a date display at 6, the hands are blue, the crown is mounted with a blue cabochon sapphire. The full length bracelet is suitable for up to 8.5” wrist (3 removed links included). Comes with original Cartier watch...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Française 2384 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
A timeless Cartier Tank Française reference 2384, crafted in stainless steel with a precise quartz movement. Dated to 2001, this classic model features Cartier’s signature Roman nume...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Française SM Ref. 3217 Stainless Steel Classic Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, CH
A definitive milestone in modern horological design, the Cartier Tank Française revolutionized the iconic Tank family upon its debut in 1996. By seamlessly integrating the rectangula...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ladies with Natural Diamonds SS Watch W51008Q3
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Ladies with Natural Diamonds SS Watch 20mm x 25mm W51008Q3
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch #2465
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch 25mm x 30mm #2465 Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamonds Steel Watch. Watch has been fully...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Large Model Custom Diamonds on Sides Steel Watch W51002Q3
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Francaise Large Model Custom Diamonds on Sides Steel Watch 32 mm x 28.15 mm W51002Q3 Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Medium Model Custom Diamo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
W 0.87 in L 0.72 in
Cartier Tank Française 2385 – 18ct Yellow Gold – 22mm
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A classic Cartier Tank Française, reference 2385, featuring an elegant 22mm case in 18ct yellow gold with a sophisticated black leather strap. A timeless Cartier design, perfect fo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
W 0.91 in L 1.78 in
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 Tank Divan 18k Yellow Gold Watch 2601
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Case size: 25x32mm -18k Yellow Gold -Movement: Quartz -Dial: Silver Dial -Blued hands -Diamond Bezel -Comes with Box, no papers
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch Details: Case size: 38mm x 24mm Case Material: Stainless steel Movement: Quartz Dial: White with Roman numerals Crystal: Sapphire Strap mat...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Ladies Wrist Watch with Pink Pearl Dial
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2018 Cartier reference 2384 Ladies Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wrist Watch, 25 X 20 MM Water Resistant Case, Quartz Movement, Scratch Resistant Crystal, Pink Spinel Crown, P...
Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Ref 1840 Large Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2005 Cartier Tank Francaise Reference 1840 Wrist Watch, 28 X 24 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece Water resistant case, Automatic Self winding movement, Sapphire Crown and Sapphire Glass Crystal. Engine Turned White dial with Black Roman Numerals, sweep seconds hand and a Calendar window at the 6 position. New Camille Fournet...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Louis 18k Yellow Gold White Dial Women's Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Mini Tank is crafted in 18k yellow gold with a compact 21mm case and a classic white Swiss dial. The rectangular case and restrained dial layout give the watch the clean...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch embodies timeless sophistication. Its sleek stainless steel case exudes a modern charm, while the iconic dial showcases a blend of l...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ladies Watch - Stainless Steel Automatic
By Cartier
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Cartier Model: Cartier Movement: Automatic Number of Jewels: 25 Warranty: 1 year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Cream Metal Content: Stainless Steel Fastening Type: Fold-...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Small 21.2mm
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: Quartz Function: hours, minutes Case: 21.2mm square stainless steel case Bracelet: stainless steel 3-link bracelet Dial: silver sunray Roman dial Serial #: 447276626XXX Ref...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise 2302 Large Steel Guilloche Roman Dial Blue Hands Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Française ref. 2302 Large in stainless steel, circa 1996–1999, featuring a silver guilloché dial with black Roman numerals, blue sword hands, date aperture at 6 o’clock,...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise 2302 W51005Q4 18k YG Two Tone Silver Dial Auto Men's 28mm
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Francaise 18K Yellow Gold Two Tone Silver Dial Automatic Watch, circa 2001. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise 2403 WE10025F 18kWhiteGold Aftermarket Diamond Watch 20mm
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Francaise Aftermarket Diamond Quartz Watch, circa 1996. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6 inches. Original box and papers are not included. Please note that the dia...
18k Gold, White Gold
H 0.2 in W 0.79 in L 0.95 in
Cartier Tank Française 2002 Diamond White Gold Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Lisboa, PT
Cartier Tank Française diamond white gold wristwatch from 2002, distinguished by its rectangular case and geometric diamond-set dial. The dial is arranged in a precise checkerboard p...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
W 0.24 in Dm 0.79 in
Cartier Tank Francaise Steel Raspberry Dial Quartz Ladies Watch W51030Q3
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent conditon. Rare Raspberry Dial. Wrist size 5.75 inches. No original box and papers, comes with chronostore box. General Information Brand: Cartier Model: Tan...
Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Ladies Watch W51008Q3 2384
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Ladies Watch W51008Q3 2384 - Quartz. Stainless Steel (20 x 25mm ). White dial with black Roman numerals. Stainless Steel Cartier Tank Francaise...
W 0.79 in L 0.71 in
Cartier Tank Française 2385/CC875320 Small 18ct Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
An iconic Cartier Tank Française ladies' watch, crafted in 18ct yellow gold with a 20mm case, elegant ivory dial, blue steel hands, and classic Roman numeral hour markers. Powered by...
Yellow Gold
W 0.79 in L 0.79 in
Vintage Cartier Tank Français Model 1820 18 Karat Yellow Gold Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: 1820 Tank Français Year: 2000 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 20mm Movement: Quartz Condition: Very Good Weight: 33...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Ref. 2364 in 18k Gold Factory Diamonds Watch Papers/Box
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Cartier Tank Francaise Ref. 2364 in 18k Gold Factory Diamonds Watch with Papers/Box A very rare Cartier Tank Française Ref. 2364 crafted in 18K ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise 28mm Automatic Stainless Steel Watch Ref. 2302 w/ Box
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Cartier Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel Weight: 89.9 Grams Case Width: 28mm (not including the crown)...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise White Gold Ladies Wristwatch B&P 2403 W50012S3
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant Cartier Tank Française ladies wristwatch crafted in 18k white gold reference 2403 W50012S3. The watch features a silver dial with classic Roman numerals and Cartier’s disc...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Automatic Stainless Steel Watch Reference 2302
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Tank Francaise Automatic Stainless Steel Watch Reference 2302 Metal: Stainless steel Movement: Automatic Case: 28 x 30mm Bracelet: Fits up to a 7.5 inch wrist when clasped Re...
Steel, Stainless Steel
H 1.19 in W 0.99 in
Cartier Tank Française Model 1821 18 Karat Yellow gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Tank Française 1821 Year: 2000s Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Silver and Roman Numerals Strap: Navy Bespoke Jean Rousseau Leather and 18k Cartier Tang Buckle ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H 1.19 in W 0.25 in Dm 0.99 in
Cartier Stainless Steel Ladies Tank Francaise Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
The Cartier stainless steel Ladies 25mm Tank Francaise quartz wristwatch is a timeless masterpiece that embodies elegance and sophistication. Its sleek stainless steel case captures ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise 20mm Stainless Steel White Dial Ladies Quartz Watch 2300
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with a chronostore box. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Française Model Number: 2300 Department: Women Style: Dress/Formal...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Must Large Model Steel Quartz Unisex Watch WSTA0072
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. The band is new. Comes with original box and manuals.
Steel
H 1.26 in W 1.07 in
Cartier Tank Francaise With Diamond Set Brancards
By Cartier
Located in Princeton, NJ
A stainless steel current model large Cartier Tank Francais with 13 factory set diamonds in each of the brancards (26 in total for a weight of 1.09 carats) in new old stock condition...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Silver Dial Quartz Ladies Watch W51008Q3
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. No original box and papers, comes with a chronostore box. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Française Model Number: W51008Q3 Year...
Stainless Steel
