Cartier recently announced a newly redesigned lineup of Tank Française watches, which originally debuted in 1996 and quickly became one of the company’s best-selling timepieces. The origins of the Cartier Tank date back to 1917 and the Tank Française is just one of the dozen or so iterations of the famous watch.
So how have the new Tank Française watches changed compared to the original models? At first glance, they look remarkably similar with their streamlined rectangular cases and beautiful chain-link bracelets. Yet, upon closer inspection, we see that the latest models have slightly more rounded silhouettes, a recessed crown, and an updated bracelet with a new style end-link.
This new Tank release got us thinking about how a Cartier watch is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Among all the watch brands out there, few have produced as many iconic watches as Cartier. From the angular Tank, Panthere, and Santos to the curvy Ballon Bleu, Ronde, and Pasha to the uniquely shaped Crash, Tortue, and Tonneau, Cartier’s watch offering is wide and varied—ideal for finding gifts to suit various tastes.
In keeping with this exciting news, whether for him or her, check out these Cartier watches if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift with a major wow factor:
Cartier Tank Watches
As mentioned, there are plenty of variations of the Cartier Tank watch. Aside from the Tank Française with its signature metal bracelet, there are also the elongated Tank Americaine, the classic Tank Louis Cartier, the stocky Tank Anglaise, and many others.
However, regardless of the iteration, what ties all women’s and men’s Cartier Tank watches together are rectangular cases with sides that stretch out (called brancards) to serve as lugs and angular (either square or rectangular) dials.
Prices start at $1,299
Cartier Santos Watches
The Santos is Cartier’s oldest wristwatch collection, originating in 1904 for pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Today, the watch is recognized as one of the brand’s most attractive watches with its appealing combination of a sporty square shape, industrial design touches, and luxurious finish.
Available in a variety of sizes, materials, and colorways, the defining characteristics of Cartier Santos watches are rounded square dials and bezels, exposed screws on the bezels and bracelet, and a streamlined silhouette.
Prices start at $2,599
Cartier Ballon Bleu Watches
Inspired by the shape of a pebble and featuring a blue winding crown that looks like it's floating within the side of the case (hence its “blue balloon” name), the Ballon Bleu is Cartier’s modern approach to the round watch. The watch’s curvy design is both a joy to look at and wear.
Like many of the Maison’s other timepieces, Ballon Bleu watches are offered in an array of materials and sizes to suit both men and women. Plus, most of them include the classic Cartier dial with black Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands. There are even options for matching metal bracelets or elegant leather straps.
Prices start at $7,999
Cartier Panthère Watches
The Panthère is yet another classic Cartier watch collection that recently underwent a subtle redesign. These supremely elegant watches also have square cases like some other Cartier models, yet what set them apart are their supple brick-link bracelets that wear like pieces of fine jewelry.
The variety of Cartier Panthere watches runs the gamut from accessible stainless steel to on-trend two-tone to precious 18k gold. What’s more, Cartier also makes high-jewelry versions of the Cartier Panthere, beautifully embellished with sparkling diamonds and often featuring exotic dials.
Prices start at $1,899
Cartier Pasha Watches
One of Cartier’s sportiest watch offerings, the Pasha as we know it today was designed in the 1980s by legendary watch designer Gerald Genta—the man behind other smash hits like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. In true Genta form, the Pasha watch blends unique shapes and details, resulting in a timepiece that’s both undeniably sporty and exceedingly elegant.
Cartier Pasha watches are defined by their round cases, elaborate Vendome-style lugs, four oversized Arabic numerals on the dials, and screw-down crown caps attached via a small chain. Some even come fitted with an avant-garde grille protecting the face of the watch.
Prices start at $2,699
Cartier Roadster Watches
The Roadster may be discontinued from Cartier’s current lineup, yet it’s still a favorite among watch enthusiasts. As its name suggests the Cartier Roadster takes its inspiration from automobiles, particularly two-door, open-top sports cars made the 1950s and 1960s. Thanks to windshield-inspired oversized date magnification lens, tire-shaped winding crowns, and headlight-like lug screws, the car influences are clear.
Cartier Roadster watches feature tonneau-shaped (a.k.a. barrel-shaped) cases and are available in a myriad of metals and sizes. Some dials lean into the car aesthetic by offering speedometer-like layouts while others stick to the classic Cartier look with Roman numerals and sword hands.
Prices start at $3,399
There you have it; a fabulous assortment of Cartier watches, any of which would make a thoughtful and impressive Valentine’s Day gift to give this year. After all, few gifts are as symbolic and precious as a forever luxury watch to celebrate everlasting love.
