Cartier

In 1917, Louis Cartier introduced the Tank which is arguably the brand’s most iconic model. Legend has it that the first prototype was presented to U.S. General John Pershing a year later. Since then, Cartier has produced numerous iterations of the Tank, including the Tank Louis, Tank Cintrée, and Tank Normale. Introduced in 1989, the Tank Américaine quickly became a classic. Drawing inspiration from the Cintrée, it presents a slightly bolder and more athletic silhouette.

The present example was gifted by Ralph Lauren to his longtime “right hand,” Buffy Birrittella, who served as Senior Adviser and Senior Creative Director of Women’s Collections. Buffy joined the company in 1971, and this watch was presented to her in celebration of her 25th anniversary with the brand. Lauren is well known for his affection for Cartier timepieces, so it’s no surprise he chose this particular watch as a gift, its caseback engraved with a heartfelt inscription: “Buffy Polo 25th Anniversary Love, Ralph April 10, 1996.”