1970s Cartier Tank Automatique 18K YG (Ref. 17002) "Jumbo XL"

The Cartier Tank has become one of the most iconic watch designs of all time, and other than some more eclectic references produced has remained relatively the same over its long run of production. The very first Cartier Tank, the Tank Normale, was originally designed in 1917 and became commercially available in 1919, and its design was inspired by the Renault FT-17 tank used by the French Military in the First World War.

The Cartier Tank is the perfect example of excellent design transcending generations. The Tank moved through the early 20th century only to become more relevant during the mid-century design era, and is once again seeing a massive resurgence amongst the watch-collecting community today.

The Tank Automatique ref. 17002 "Jumbo" is a true anomaly produced by Cartier that has become exceedingly collectible throughout the years. Only produced for a short period of time in the 1970s, these larger Tank wristwatches made a lasting impression. Interestingly, the original Tank Automatique "Jumbo" was produced in two sizes, the "Jumbo" ref. 17011 and the larger "Jumbo XL" ref. 17002. The movement used is a simple yet reliable ETA-based time-only movement, and the case back was manufactured to fit around the movement in a unique bubble design so as to eliminate any excess material and maintain the Tank's minimalist personality.