Watches and Wonders 2025: Cartier revives the Tank à Guichets
Vintage and rare Cartier Tank models are gaining renewed favour among collectors for their timeless innovation. The first Tank watch design appeared in 1917, featuring parallel brancards and a crown at 3 o’clock. But it wasn’t until 1919 that it appeared in public—as Tank Normale, which embodied Louis Cartier’s vision of blending style and function.
But did you know there was actually a digital Tank?
In 1928, responding to an increasingly fast-paced modern world, Cartier introduced the Tank à Guichets—a digital display watch with jumping hours and gliding minutes visible through two apertures, likely the first Tank with a complication. Cartier explored various design evolutions through the 1930s. Limited editions followed in 1997 (platinum) and 2005 (rose gold), celebrating the enduring legacy of the Tank à Guichets.
At Watches and Wonders this year, four Cartier Privè versions make their debut. The Cartier Privè collection is dedicated to reimagining one of the maison’s iconic creations each year—and now, the singular design of the Tank à Guichets is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
Read more: Exploring the rise of watches in bold, unconventional shapes
Cartier Privè Tank à Guichets in platinum
Cartier Privè Tank à Guichets in yellow gold
Cartier Privè Tank à Guichets in rose gold
The new Tank à Guichets are all powered by the exclusively crafted manual-winding 9755 MC movement. Recalling the original design from 1928, the hour aperture is at 12 o’clock while the minute is positioned at 6 o'clock. The winding crown is at 12 o'clock, with the satin-finished case contrasting nicely with the polished horizontal brancards. They are available in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.
See also: Cyrille Vigneron on how Cartier empowers future leaders
The limited-edition Cartier Privè Tank à Guichets in platinum with angled apertures
Celebrating the artistic flair and design ingenuity of the 1930s, a second platinum model is distinguished by apertures positioned at an angle, and is limited to 200 pieces.
NOW READ
Watches and Wonders 2025: The Panerai Luminor Perpetual Calendar GMT in precious Platinumtech