Cartier Tank Américaine

Cartier introduced the Tank in 1917—reportedly inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks that rumbled across the battlefields of World War I—with an inaugural run of just six pieces. Legend has it these were presented to American General John J. Pershing and his staff. The design distilled the tank’s geometry into something altogether more refined: parallel brancards echoing the vehicle’s treads, seamlessly integrated into a rectilinear case. By 1920, production had grown to thirty-three examples. By the close of the 20th century, that figure had expanded into the hundreds of thousands. In sheer volume alone, the Tank—in all its permutations—stands as Cartier’s most prolific watch line.

The Tank Louis arrived in 1922, refining the original into a study in proportion and restraint, followed soon after by the Tank Chinoise. Introduced during a wave of fascination with Eastern design, the Chinoise adopted a square case framed by brancards reminiscent of a Chinese temple portico—an architectural interpretation rendered in gold.

From the outset, the Tank proved endlessly adaptable. Each variation adhered to Louis Cartier’s devotion to clarity, balance, and line, while offering its own distinct personality—from the purity of the original to the elongated sensuality of the Cintrée. Its cultural footprint is equally enduring: Rudolph Valentino famously wore his Tank onscreen in The Son of the Sheik, while Clark Gable, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis each made it their own.

Alongside the Santos and later the Pasha, Cartier occupies a rare position—one of the few great jewelry houses to inspire the kind of fervor typically reserved for the most serious watchmakers.

Our Pledge

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 two-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.