As the definitive expert on watch design, Cartier has pioneered many of the most exciting models across the industry.
Arguably, none is as famous as the Tank. In the past, we have delved into the model in depth, including its many iterations and designs. Today, we are honing in on one of the most exciting and rarest within the collections — the Tank à Guichets. Produced in very few examples (less than 400 to date), the Tank à Guichets was relaunched this year within the maison's vaunted Privée collection.
In honor of the reintroduction of the coveted model, we have decided to dive into the world of rare Cartier and explore the Guichets in depth.
The Tank à Guichets is noted for its unique jump hour and radial minutes timekeeping display. It also adheres to the ‘Tank’ namesake perhaps better than any other model in the collection: It’s mostly a slab of metal, but its striking timekeeping display stands out as one of the most unique in the industry at large.
1928 Tank À Guichets - (Image by The Watch Observer)
The Tank à Guichets was first presented in 1928, and was produced in limited numbers for VIP clients through the '30s. These pieces were typically delivered in unique commissions and were not available for the broader market. Then, the Guichet disappeared from collections until 1996. In 1996 Cartier made nine Guichets — 3 in rose, 3 in platinum, and 3 in yellow gold — for the Magical Art of Cartier Auction. These limited pieces commanded extremely strong values at auction, and reaffirmed to Cartier the viability of the collection as something to revisit.
Cartier Tank À Guichets Platinum Limited Edition in commemoration of Cartier's 150th Anniversary - (Image by Philipps)
Just one year later, in 1997 Cartier released a 150-piece limited edition of the Guichets in platinum in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the brand. This piece was broadly respectful of the earlier Tank à Guichets, with the exception of a repositioned crown to 3 o’clock from its 12 o’clock typical layout.
Cartier Tank À Guichets 'CPCP' 2005- IN THE SHOP
Next, in 2005, Cartier once again reintroduced the Guichets, this time for the CPCP collection of wide renown. Limited to 100 pieces in rose gold, these Guichets once again brought the unique model to the broader market. This edition grew slightly in size to suit the modern collector, but preserved the 1997 guidelines and layout.
Cartier Tank à Guichets 2025 - (Image by Hodinkee)
Finally, just this last year, Cartier presented three production Guichets and an additional limited edition. These production pieces will render older limited-edition references incredibly collectible as more and more eyes are turned to the model and attention is once again placed on the Guichets.
Cartier has grown in popularity massively in recent years, and simultaneously, more and more collectors have sought out alternative time displays. The Tank à Guichets sits at the intersection of both of these trends, and is poised for a renaissance in the coming years. It is incredibly rare to handle one of these incredible pieces, and we are incredibly proud to have two available – one of the platinum pieces and one of the CPCP rose gold examples.
Cartier Tank à Guichets 'Platinum' 150th Anniversary - IN THE SHOP
Get your hands on one of these important and truly rare Tanks while they last. These won’t stick around for long!
