Cartier Tank Solo Ref. 3170 "Piano" - Stainless Steel - c. 2010 (full set)

The Tank with Harmonious Dissonances

Description

A steel Tank? Here is the Solo model, reference 3170, complete with its case and documentation.

With its 24 x 31 mm stainless steel case, it’s a beautiful alternative to the gold Tank Louis Cartier. A Tank that’s truly original, with a dial reminiscent of piano keys—a design you won’t come across very often... This Tank is fitted with a black alligator leather Bracelet—which you can keep or swap out as you please—and a stainless steel folding clasp, both signed by Cartier. Try the folding clasp, and you’ll love it! 

This Tank offers a different take on the gold Louis Cartier model. It boldly breaks with the conventions of the classic Tank while retaining the characteristics of its predecessor: the iconic rectangular case design, flatter side lugs, blued hands, and larger Dimensions.

Why did Françoise choose it?

First of all, because Françoise loves to seek out these slightly unconventional dials offered by Cartier and suggest alternatives to the Tank Louis.

So, how do you navigate the differences between the Tank Louis from the 1920s, the Tank Must from the 1970s, and the Tank Solo from the 2000s?

The Tank Louis is the most precious, the most classic, and the most timeless: in yellow gold,withawhitedialfeaturing Roman numerals and a railway-track minute track. 

WithCartier’s Must line—and particularly the Tank Must—Cartier has made its iconic design more accessible without compromising its DNA: the same dimensions but with a Vermeil or silver case, mostly Quartz movements, and colorful and/or patterned dials that break away from established conventions. 

The Tank Solo appeared later, conceived as a contemporary gateway to the Tank universe. It features a steel case, larger dimensions, flatter lines, and, for the most part, classic dials that echo the design language of the Tank Louis. Françoise has fallen in love with the limited-edition Tank Solo models, which embody the spirit of the Tank Must in an even more unapologetically original way. Françoise really enjoys the idea of collecting them, which is why she’s on the hunt for them: dials with python or leopard prints, satin finishes, or even poetic piano-inspired patterns like this model.

This Tank Solo with a “piano” dial will undoubtedly add a touch of originality to your outfit—always with Style, since it’s a Cartier Watch. Wear it on its colorful Bracelet for a bold look, or on a more classic Bracelet to tone it down—which will you choose? It will appeal to those who appreciate more unique Watches, music lovers, and collectors.

History

The Tank watch, known as the Tank Normale, first appeared in 1917. Designed in honor of the heroes of World War I, its design was inspired by the first tanks. Five years later, the Tank Louis Cartier was introduced—a model very similar to the original but with a more elongated dial and thinner, more rounded lugs. Several generations followed, retaining the same signature design elements while adapting to new watchmaking technologies such as Quartz. 

In the early 2000s, Cartier developed a more “everyday” and accessible Tank line: the Tank Solo. A practical and understated version, combining steel and Quartz and often featuring highly creative dials.