2020 Cartier Tank Solo Large 18ct Rose Gold Quartz 3167 27x34mm
Ref: 3167 / W5200025

In 1847, the renowned French jeweller Louis-François Cartier established Cartier in the heart of Paris, marking the genesis of a luxury brand that would resonate through the ages. Cartier quickly gained prominence among the aristocracy, earning a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs that appealed to society's elite. 
In 1898, Louis-François' grandson, also named Louis Cartier, joined the family business. His inventive spirit and keen sense of style were instrumental in expanding the brand's appeal beyond France and into the international market. One of his notable contributions occurred in 1903, when he created the first men's wristwatch, the Santos, inspired by his close friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This timepiece was revolutionary, representing a shift from pocket watches to wristwatches for men and was celebrated for its practical design. In 1902, Louis’ brother Pierre further cemented Cartier's prestigious status by opening a new branch on Burlington Street in London, enhancing the brand’s presence in the British market. 1907 marked a significant partnership with Edmond Jaeger of the esteemed watchmaking company Jaeger-LeCoultre. This alliance allowed Cartier to secure exclusive access to high-quality watch movements, significantly improving their timepieces' precision and quality. The Santos collection saw its first mass-production run in 1911, responding to soaring demand for this iconic square watch. Its design, characterised by its unique aesthetics, remained remarkably consistent for several decades. A pivotal redesign took place in 1978, introducing a stylish metal bracelet and a luxurious bi-metal version combining steel and 18-karat gold. A further reinterpretation occurred in 2004, with the launch of the Santos 100, commemorating the watch's centenary.
In 1917, another iconic model, the Tank watch, made its debut. Inspired by the robust forms of American tanks used during World War I, the Tank is a symbol of timeless elegance. Its popularity grew rapidly, attracting attention from celebrities and cultural figures alike, including notable personalities such as Andy Warhol, Alain Delon, Clark Gable, Catherine Deneuve, and Duke Ellington. Cartier introduced a system of reference numbers for each model to combat the surge of counterfeit watches, ensuring authenticity and maintaining the brand's prestige.
In the early 20th century, all of Cartier’s watches were handcrafted in France, with movements exquisitely produced by Jaeger. A significant turning point occurred in 1972 when a group of investors led by the astute financial expert Joseph Kanoui, acquired the company. Under Kanoui's leadership, Cartier expanded its retail presence; in 1973, the first “Must de Cartier” boutique opened in Biarritz, followed shortly by another in Singapore, marking the beginning of a new era in luxury retail.
Throughout the 1980s, Cartier diversified its portfolio by acquiring several non-jewellery businesses, including the prestigious watch brands Baume et Mercier in 1988 and Piaget and Alderbert in 1989. This strategic manoeuvre broadened its market reach and consolidated its position as a leading luxury conglomerate. The 1980s also saw the launch of the Pasha watch, which became an instant hit due to its distinctive round case, oversized Arabic numerals, and innovative chain connecting the crown cap to the case. This design choice reflected a bold move against the ornate watches prevalent among luxury brands at that time. In 2007, Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, a watch designed to counterstate the heavily embellished styles of its contemporaries. This model showcased a more minimalist aesthetic while maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship associated with the Cartier name, thereby solidifying its status as a hallmark of luxury and sophistication in the watchmaking world.