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.
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 Diamond Américaine 27,720 USD
This Cartier Tank Diamond Américaine sold for $27,720 December 2022. The Cartier Tank Americaine offers a luxurious take on the classic Tank design. Adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds on its case and metal bracelet, this model exemplifies Cartier’s mastery in merging opulence with functionality. Powered by an automatic movement, the Tank Américaine is celebrated for its precise timekeeping and refined aesthetic. Its strong auction performance underscores its desirability among collectors who appreciate both its lavish embellishments and Cartier’s signature design ethos.
The Cartier Tank remains one of the most iconic and enduring watch designs in horological history. From its inception in 1917 to its continued evolution across decades, the Tank has embodied Cartier’s dedication to elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation. The extraordinary prices achieved by these rare and historic Cartier Tank watches at Sotheby’s highlight their immense value and desirability among collectors. Whether crafted in gold, platinum, or adorned with diamonds, each of these timepieces tells a story of artistry and prestige, ensuring that the Cartier Tank remains a coveted symbol of luxury for generations to come.
How Much is a Cartier Tank Watch?
The price of a Cartier Tank watch varies widely depending on factors such as model, material, age, and provenance. A new stainless steel Cartier Tank Must starts at approximately $3,000, while gold models like the Tank Louis Cartier retail for around $12,000. On the secondary market, sought-after vintage references, such as the Tank Cintrée or early Tank Normale models, can command anywhere from $15,000 to over $100,000. Limited editions, high-jewelry versions, and historically significant pieces—especially those owned by celebrities or royalty—can fetch six-figure sums at auction, with the most exceptional examples selling for well over $200,000.
Advantages to Buying Cartier Watches on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Cartier watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers exceptional Cartier timepieces, from iconic classics to rare references. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Cartier watch models from collectors around the world.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Cartier watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Cartier watch models not available online.
3. Value
While authorized Cartier boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Cartier watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Cartier timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Cartier watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Cartier watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Buy and Sell Cartier Tank Watches at Sotheby's
Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Cartier watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Cartier models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Cartier Tank, Santos, Panthère, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Cartier timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.
Prices for Cartier watches start around $14,000 for models like the Cartier Santos and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Ballon Bleu and Cartier Tortue often command starting prices of around $25,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.
- Explore upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Watch Specialist about selling a Cartier Tank watch.
Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
