The Française collection was conceived in 1996 as an addition to the Tank family. The watch is defined by its bracelet whose links form a seamless connection of the brancards. This specific reference is a small quartz-powered model in stainless steel with a mother-of-pearl dial. Its design features the collection's signature angular case, roman numerals, and a synthetic spinel cabochon set into the crown.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Minor Visible Wear Production: est. 2009 Contents: Watch and Box Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 20x25mm Thickness: approx. 6mm Lug Width: approx. 15mm
Case: Stainless steel Francaise case, brushed and mirrored finish, minor visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel curved brancards, brushed finish, minor visible wear Dial: Blue mother-of-pearl dial, printed white roman numerals Hands: Sword-shaped, blued-steel hands
Crown: Steel octagonal cabochon crown, minor visible wear Crystal: Sapphire, minor visible wear Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet, brushed links, minor visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel solid screwed caseback, minor visible wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche