Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tank Francaise, ref. 3217, White Roman Dial, circa 2000
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. 2000
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- vws1969cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws1969cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Tank Francaise - Model Ref: 3217 - White Roman Dial - c.2000 - Box & Papers***SOLD*** (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws1969cs), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. 2000. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
We Are Sorry But This Watch Is Now Sold - If However You Are Looking To Buy Or Sell Something Similar Then Please Email Sales@Vintagewatchspecialist.Com Or Whatsapp/Call +44 7831 454658. Thanks A Charming and Iconic Cartier Tank Francais Model Ref: 3217 with a White Roman Dial, Integrated Bracelet, and Octagonal Cabachon Crown from c.2000. With original Cartier Box and Paperwork (Blank date), with Cartier Service Papers from 2006 The Cartier Tank is the brand’s most iconic model and was designed by Louis Cartier himself in 1917. According to legend, the design was inspired by Renault FT-17, a French tank used during the First World War. What’s On Offer This watch is utterly charming, its slender size only adding to its appeal. This Tank Française has the familiar bold black Roman numerals and blued-steel sword-shaped hands which glide around the white dial, all in great condition and encapsulated under sapphire crystal - can you spot the “secret Cartier signature” hidden in the VII or X numerals too? The case is in excellent condition and boasts the synonymous blue cabochon-cut stone mounted on the octagonal winding crown. One of the most distinct design details of the Tank Française is its integrated metal bracelet and this is no exception, it's in great shape and looks beautiful on the wrist. This delicate yet iconic watch is simply stunning and would also make an absolutely delightful gift. Additional information Made from Case: Stainless Steel Dial: White Crystal: Sapphire Bracelet: Stainless Steel Technical specifications Winding: N/A Movement Type: Quartz Caliber: Jewels: Waterproof: When new Power reserve: n/a Purchase details Condition: Excellent Model Reference: 3217
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Related records
Clocks · 1863
Clock by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, France, 1863
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Clocks · c. 1980s
Cartier "art Deco", c. 1980s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Clocks · c. 2000s
Cartier Desk Clock with Alarm, c. 2000s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Clocks · c. 2000s
Cartier Lacquer Arched Desk Clock with Alarm, ref. W0100037, c. 2000s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1990
Cartier Pasha, ref. 2412, c. 1990
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1990
Cartier Santos Ronde Vendome, c. 1990
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1990s
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, ref. 6711, c. 1990s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1991
Cartier Tonneau Paris 1991, c. 1991
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva