Cartier Tank Allongee 'Steve McQueen'

When you think of Cartier, their longstanding history in jewelry probably comes to mind. But, they also have a renowned reputation for making timeless and elegant timepieces for just over 100 years. 

The Tank Louis is without question their most well-known model, but the story doesn't end there. Beyond the core model is an extensive line with numerous variations, many of which were produced in very limited quantities and are quite literally some of the most beautiful timepieces ever made. This ultra-rare Tank Allongee happens to be one such example!

The first Tank Allongee made its debut in the 1920s and goes down in history as one of the timepieces made during the era when Louis Cartier himself was at the helm. Distinguishable and worthy of every double-take, the Tank Allongee literally expands on all the design hallmarks of their beloved Tank.

Directly translated to “Elongated Tank”, this Tank Allongee features a 20mm x 51mm electroplated gold case with a curved mineral crystal, Cartier’s signature sapphire cabochon crown and a white enamel dial with printed Roman indices and a blued-steel handset. Shielded by a curved snap-back case is a manually-wound ETA Calibre 2412.

Famously worn by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, this generation Allongee was designed by Cartier New York exclusively for the American market. Produced between the 1960s and 1970s, sources suggest that less than a thousand pieces were made - making this surviving example a truly rare find. In fact, its the first example we've ever had available!

With an incredibly crisp case showing no signs of plating loss, this Tank Allongee shows patina and character on its white enamel dial, and is fitted to a brand new black alligator pattern leather strap, but includes its original signed strap and pin buckle.

The Tank Allongee is likely not the first watch that you'll associate with Steve McQueen, but if you're on the hunt for a rarified Cartier chosen by The King Of Cool for one of his most iconic roles, it should definitely be on your radar!

Despite being a purveyor of haute joaillerie, Cartier has had a long tradition of making watches.
It started in 1907, when founder Louis Cartier made what was one of the first wristwatches for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont. In the following years, the brand made a name for itself with its most famous wristwatch, the Tank, in all its multitudinous forms.

Cartier introduced the Tank in 1917 — which was supposedly inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks seen on the battlefields of World War I — with a run of six pieces. (According to legend, these were given to American General John J. Pershing and his staff.) Cartier took the look of the Renault tank's treads and applied it to the watch’s lugs, which were integrated via brancards into the case itself. That first run of six pieces increased to thirty-three by 1920, and by the end of the 20th Century, that number stood well in the hundreds of thousands. Indeed, in sheer volume alone, the Tank — in all its various models — is Cartier's largest line of watches.

The Tank Louis was introduced in 1922, followed close on the heels of the Asian-influenced Tank Chinoise. The Chinoise, released amidst a mania for jewelry inspired by the Orient, has a square rather than rectangular case and lugs that resemble the portico of a Chinese pagoda.

From its debut, the Tank would see many variations, each in keeping with Louis Cartier’s taste for clean lines and perfect symmetry. Each variant — from the original Tank to the Tank Louis to the Cintrée with its flirtatious, curvaceous lines — has its passionate devotees. Rudolph Valentino, that sensual star of the silver screen, insisted on wearing his Tank onscreen in The Son of the Sheik, and Clark Gable, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were among those who sported a one throughout the years.

Other model lines, including the Santos (based upon the original model crafted for Alberto Santos-Dumont) and the Pasha, have developed devoted followers. Indeed, the maison is unique as one of the few jewelry brands to elicit as much passion from collectors as dedicated watch companies.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.