HOT ! Cartier Tank Louis Mini MOP \'Sunrise\'

Cartier is responsible for some of the most recognizable and successful wristwatches in the history of modern horology. The definitive expert on watch design, the French maison has always been a leader in challenging conventional approaches to watchmaking while pioneering new styling as a fixture in the broader fashion world.

Few models have played a larger role in solidifying this brand identity than the Tank. Undoubtedly the most iconic watch in Cartier’s history and conceived based on a simple idea, it’s evolved to take myriad forms over the years, with over a dozen sub-designs that each has its own identity and presence.

After the release of the Tank, the horological world was changed forever. Introduced in 1917 based on the conception of Louis Cartier, the great-grandson of Cartier’s founder, the Tank took inspiration from a French military vehicle from the First World War, the Renault FT-17. The Tank\'s look was striking and revolutionary: Rectangular and unconventional for the period, it also one of the earliest wrist watches to be popularly accepted within the broader fashion space.

After 1917, Cartier saw a surge in interest in its unique watches, and more and more Cartier Tank models were born, building on the underlying design philosophy that made the Tank an initial success in the 1910s. The Tank Cintrée was introduced in 1921, the Louis and Chinoise in 1922, the Basculante in 1933, the Asymetrique in 1936, and so on.

While each model has its own unique personality, the Tank Louis is the quintessential configuration, and is truly the face of the Tank collection. The rounded, polished brancards, blue sapphire cabochon crown, beautiful numerals and \'railroad\' minute track, and blued steel hands have not only come to personify the Tank, but also Cartier’s identity as a watchmaker more broadly. This watch became the symbol of watchmaking in the \'20s and \'30s, and perfectly captures the era’s approach to changing style and fashion. 

This particular Cartier Tank Louis is one of the more contemporary takes on the design language. A \'Mini\' model executed in 18K yellow gold, it\'s a scaled-down spin on one of the brand\'s classics. Modestly sized — as all Tank Louis watches should be — it measures a classy 16mm in diameter. Set with diamonds throughout its brancards and crown, it features a spectacular enamel dial with a \'rising sun\' motif and a simple gold \'sword\' handset.

Powered by a reliable quartz movement and fitted with a red lizard leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a signed yellow gold pin buckle, this tremendous Tank is ready for its close-up on the wrist of an appreciative new owner.