The Cartier Tank Replica is,one of the most iconic watches of all time, whose classic design has withstood the fluctuating whims of fashion for more than a century. Since Louis Cartier rolled it out in 1919, the Tank has graced the wrists of a veritable Who’s Who of movers and shakers.
Clearly, the Cartier Tank’s Replica crown falls down in this numerical regard. But I’m not going to make a fuss about that. More bothersome is the manner in which the blue of the cabochon, when allied to its distinctive shape, makes it look like it’s directly modelled on a police siren.
I understand the aesthetic rationale, too. The angularity of the case with its linear Roman numerals leans towards the austere, so the Cartier Replica crown is presumably aimed as a decadent counterbalance.
But it’s one thing livening up a grey business suit with a colourful pocket square. In this example, the extravagance of the crown is more akin to sticking peacock feathers in your button-hole.
While Cartier Clone continues to use genuine sapphires in its precious metal timepieces, the cabochons of the steel models are made from synthetic spinel.