What do General Pershing, Muhammed Ali, and Jackie Kennedy all have in common? Entrer Le Tank!

It is among the most iconic designs in horological history — the Cartier Tank, transcending the passing fancies of trend and remaining as elegant today as they were a century ago. Adding to its appeal, there are many iterations of the famed wristwatch from Cartier, including variations on the core design language, such as the Tank Française offered here.

Introduced in 1996, the Tank Française retains the architectural blueprint of Louis Cartier’s early-20th century design, offering sharpened case lines and angular detailing with pointed lugs and an optional bracelet.

This particular example, a Reference 1840, features a 28mm solid 18k yellow gold case with a matching yellow gold bracelet, a sapphire crystal and Cartier's signature sapphire cabochon crown. It’s white ‘Roman’ dial and blued-steel handset are perfectly timeless, but this model also offers a date aperture at 6 o’clock and a self-winding movement that provides a lovely sweep to its center seconds hand.

Any yellow gold Cartier on a leather strap offers plenty of panache, but when you fit to a matching solid gold bracelet, well, we’re approaching some serious flex territory! This multi-link bracelet comes with a hidden deployant clasp and remains in excellent condition throughout.

Including its inner and outer boxes and a full set of links, this Tank Française offers a ton of value - and swag - for the price.

Go on now, you know you're Cartier-curious...