Cartier - Franco Cologni

This handsome monograph charts the evolution of one of the most coveted items of modern style, showcasing the extra- ordinary craftsmanship of the House of Cartier. The Tank Watch, the classic timepiece designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, is an icon of modern timepiece design. Whether fashioned from gold or platinum, and embellished with precious gemstones or vermeil faces, the distinctive square face and smooth lines make it instantly recognizable. One of the world's first square wristwatches (the first was the legendary Santos Dumont designed by Cartier in 1904), the Tank Watch's functionality is rivaled only by its elegance; it represents a perfect combination of fine watch-making and the jeweler's art. Over nearly a century, the Tank has been creatively reinterpreted by the House in many famous models-from the Chinese Tank to the Crash Watch to the recent Tank Anglaise-while always remaining faithful to Louis Cartier's original concept. Cartier: The Tank Watch celebrates the history of one of Cartier's greatest masterpieces through designs from Cartier's rich archives, historical models, and photographs of the famous clients, from Clark Gable to Andy Warhol, who have chosen the Tank Watch as their favorite timepiece.