[1] The prototype watch was presented by Cartier to General John J. Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force.

[2] Its lines and proportions are similar to those of tanks used on First World War battlefields.

The defining features of a Tank watch include its bold Roman numeral dial with a chemin de fer chapter ring, sword-shaped blued steel hands, and a sapphire cabochon-surmounted crown.

The Tank has become one of the most stylish, sophisticated, highly coveted and copied wristwatches of all time, and has been worn by, amongst others, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Yves Saint Laurent and Jeff Goldblum.

It is generally considered to be a watch of leaders and is suitable for wearing at any occasion.