The Cartier Tank: Revisiting The Most Expensive Examples Sold by Sotheby's
Explore the most expensive Cartier Tank watches ever sold at Sotheby’s. Discover the record-breaking auctions, rare models, and the history behind these iconic timepieces.
Cartier watches have long been synonymous with elegance, precision, and enduring style. Known for their refined aesthetics and impeccable craftsmanship, Cartier timepieces are highly sought after by collectors, often fetching extraordinary prices at auction. Among Cartier's many iconic models, the Tank stands as one of its most celebrated creations, embodying both sophistication and horological innovation. In this article, we explore the six most expensive Cartier Tank watches sold at Sotheby’s, delving into their unique attributes, historical significance, and the brand’s legacy of timeless design.
Key Takeaways: The Cartier Tank — Revisiting the Most Expensive Examples Sold by Sotheby’s
| Model | Notable Features | Price (USD) |
| Tank Cintrée Yellow Gold, Circa 1975 | London-made large curved case, hallmark “JC” for Jacques Cartier; exceptional condition and historical importance. | $355,000 |
| Tank Cintrée Yellow Gold, Circa 1969 | Elongated curved case, London production, manual-winding movement; late-1960s experimental design. | $300,000 |
| Eight Days Tank, Circa 1935 | Rare twin-barrel movement running for eight days; one of fewer than ten known vintage examples. | $270,000 |
| Grande Tank Cintrée, Circa 1940 | Large 18k yellow gold case, curved profile, 1940s craftsmanship; hallmark of vintage Tank design. | $121,000 |
| Tank Platinum, Circa 1930 | Platinum case with brick-link bracelet, manual movement, signed European Watch & Clock Co. | $112,000 |
| Tank Normale Platinum, Circa 1930 | Early platinum example with grain de riz bracelet and pink gold clasp; rare 1930s configuration | $99,000 |
A Brief History of the Cartier Tank Watch
The Cartier Tank was introduced in 1917, its design inspired by the military tanks used during World War I, specifically the Renault FT-17. Officially released in 1919, the watch's distinctive rectangular case and clean, geometric lines set it apart from other timepieces of the era. The Cartier Tank Louis, introduced in the early 1920s, further refined the design, incorporating softer, rounded edges for a more delicate and sophisticated look. Over the years, the Cartier Tank has influenced countless rectangular dress watches, cementing its status as a pivotal design in horology.
Throughout the decades, the Cartier Tank has been favored by numerous influential figures. Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor was known to both own and gift multiple Cartier Tank watches as part of her extensive collection. The artist Andy Warhol famously quipped, “I don’t wear a Tank watch to tell the time. Actually, I never even wind it. I wear a Tank because it is the watch to wear!” Royalty has also embraced the Tank, with Princess Diana owning both the Tank Louis and, later, the Tank Française models, contributing to the enduring affinity for Cartier watches in Britain and beyond. The Cartier Tank remains a symbol of timeless elegance, and the rarest examples continue to command significant prices at auction. Below, we take a closer look at some of the most expensive Cartier Tank watches ever sold at Sotheby’s.
1. Cartier Tank Cintrée Yellow Gold Wristwatch Circa 1975, 315,000 CHF
This Cartier Tank Cintrée sold for 315,000 CHF in November 2021. This timepiece represents a pinnacle of Cartier’s sophisticated design language. Introduced in 1921, the Cintrée model was an evolution of the original Tank, blending the ergonomic curved case profile of the Tonneau with the modern brancards of the Tank. This particular watch, a larger London-produced version, features assay marks on the case back interior and the maker’s mark “JC” for Jacques Cartier. Its pristine condition and historical significance make it a prized collector’s piece, reflecting Cartier’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
2. Cartier Tank Cintrée, A Yellow Gold Wristwatch Circa 1969, 240,000 GBP
This exceptional Cartier Tank Cintrée from 1969 sold for 240,000 GBP in May 2024. The Cintrée model, known for its elongated case and manual-winding movement, epitomizes Cartier’s balance of form and function. This specific piece, hailing from Cartier London, showcases the brand’s experimental spirit during the late 1960s, a period when London designs pushed the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. With its particularly curved case and meticulous craftsmanship, this timepiece remains one of the most desirable Cartier Tank watches ever produced.
3. Cartier Eight Days Tank Circa 1935, 245,700 CHF
This rare Cartier Eight Days Tank, sold for 245,700 CHF in 2021, exemplifies Cartier’s technical ingenuity. Eight-day watches by Cartier are exceedingly rare, with fewer than ten known examples from the 1930s and 1940s. This particular model, housed in stainless steel, is believed to be unique. It features a twin-barrel European Watch & Clock Co. movement with two mainsprings, allowing it to run continuously for eight days. Its case, a "Tank Allongée," deviates from the standard Tank and Cintrée models with its straight shape and angular lugs. As self-winding watches became more prevalent, the cost of producing Eight-Day movements proved prohibitive, making this timepiece an extraordinary find.
4. Cartier Grande Tank Cintrée Circa 1940, 107,100 CHF
This Cartier Grande Tank Cintrée in 18k yellow gold sold for 107,100 CHF in 2022. This timepiece stands as one of the most iconic variations of the Tank. Since its introduction in the 1920s, the Grande Cintrée has been reimagined in numerous iterations, each showcasing Cartier’s commitment to elegance and precision. The 1940 model sold at Sotheby’s remains a highly sought-after collector’s piece, distinguished by its large size, curved profile, and historical significance.
5. Cartier Tank Platinum Circa 1930, 98,500 CHF
A testament to Cartier’s timeless design, this platinum Cartier Tank from circa 1930 sold for 98,500 CHF in 2010. The watch features a 30.5mm platinum case with an integrated brick-link bracelet and a yellow gold deployant buckle. Powered by a manual-winding movement signed by the European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., the timepiece includes a cream dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands. Despite some signs of wear, the watch’s exquisite craftsmanship and historical relevance contributed to its high auction value, solidifying its place among Cartier’s most cherished vintage pieces.
6. Cartier Tank Normale Platinum Circa 1930, 88,900 CHF
This Cartier Tank Normale sold for 88,900 CHF in November 2025. Introduced in 1919 as the first of Cartier’s Tank family, the Normale established the blueprint for the maison’s most enduring design. This platinum example, dating to circa 1930, features a finely crafted grain de riz bracelet with a pink gold folding clasp—an exceptionally rare configuration combining subtle elegance with Cartier’s signature platinum craftsmanship. Produced in very limited numbers during the interwar period, early platinum Tanks such as this are highly prized for their historical importance and refined execution. Its distinguished design and rarity exemplify Cartier’s artistry during one of the brand’s most celebrated eras.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cartier Tank
How much is a Cartier Tank watch?
Prices for Cartier Tank watches vary depending on model, age, and materials. Entry-level pieces like the Tank Must start around $3,000, while gold or vintage references such as the Tank Louis Cartier or Tank Cintrée range from $15,000 to over $100,000. Rare or celebrity-owned editions can exceed $200,000 at auction.
Why do Cartier Tank watches achieve such high auction prices?
The Cartier Tank’s enduring appeal lies in its historic design, refined craftsmanship, and cultural legacy. Collectors value early and rare references for their aesthetic purity and connection to figures like Princess Diana and Andy Warhol, ensuring these timepieces remain symbols of luxury and timeless elegance across generations.
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