While only four episodes of Love Story have been released so far, we’re already taking bets that this biographical romance is set to become one of the most influential shows to the way we dress this year. Bringing back a strong sense of ‘90s nostalgia, we’re zooming in on the heartthrob of the season, John F Kennedy Jr, and the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, a timepiece with a timeless and handsome aura.
Love Story is an American romance anthology produced by Ryan Murphy. In its very first season, it follows the true story of John F Kennedy Jr (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (Sarah Pidgeon), from their first encounter and whirlwind courtship, to their tragic end. While many viewers were alive during the time of this very real romance, the show has sparked new interest in the late JFK Jr and CBK, especially amongst younger viewers. Many netizens are particularly transfixed by the music (“what animal doesn’t love Sade?”), the celebrity lifestyle, and the ‘90s fashion.
Known for their effortlessly chic couple’s fashion, John Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette were not loud in their sartorial choices, and opted for timeless pieces. On Love Story, we get a glimpse of just a few timepieces so far, with John’s Cartier Tank briefly in view during the first episode.
N.B.: This Watch Crush refers to the watch featured on Love Story, not the real-life watch of John F Kennedy Jr.
Watch Crush: A closer look at JFK Jr’s Cartier Tank Louis Cartier watch on Love Story
What caught our eye: The balance between preppy and sporty
The real John F Kennedy Jr famously wore a Timex Intrepid timepiece on many occasions, and was later also spotted sporting a Rolex Daytona. Nonetheless, it is the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier that gains screen time through Paul Anthony Kelly’s portrayal on Love Story.
Amongst the many factors that have fashionistas swooning for JFK Jr on the show — his backwards caps, his suits, his shorts, and his rugby shirts — the choice of a Cartier Tank pinpoints exactly how and where we are meant to understand this character. Old money, but not show-y. Dressy, but not boring. Follows in the stylish steps of his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but maintains his own sense of self. The watch is rooted in history, much like John’s family.
What kept us interested: Quiet luxury with a sense of history
The Cartier Tank watch was designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, and has become a true icon of watchmaking. Sleek, geometric, and bold, it is easily recognisable by its unique shape and flat, vertical brancards. Over the decades, it has been reimagined in a host of variations.
The version worn by JFK Jr on Love Story is likely the Tank Louis Cartier. Because of its light brown strap, it is most similar to the currently available 29.5 mm x 22 mm small model. It comes with a rose gold case, Cartier’s signature beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, a silvered beaded dial, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. In this variation, it has a shiny brown alligator skin strap, and a manual winding mechanical movement.
The timepiece appears serious and sophisticated, and is a good match for anyone who wants to look elegant and put-together. On John, however, we really enjoy his pairing with a more casual look. It is proof that the Cartier Tank is versatile, and does not take away from the personality and natural charm of its wearer. In Episode 1, he pairs it with a loose-fitting khaki shirt and ivory-coloured trousers as he prepares to board a plane.
The deeper connection: It’s not the only Cartier Tank in the family
Parents to John F Kennedy Jr, it is rumoured that Jacqueline Kennedy gifted John F Kennedy an 18k Cartier Tank Louis Cartier watch for their fourth wedding anniversary. The caseback was said to be engraved with JFK’s initials, the Kennedy family coat of arms, and the couple’s wedding date. Many believe this was the very watch he wore on November 22, 1963, the day of his assassination. The current whereabouts of the timepiece remain unknown.
Jacqueline Kennedy herself was closely associated with the Cartier Tank. In her personal life, she frequently wore a gold Cartier Tank watch gifted by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanisław Radziwiłł. The watch appears in numerous photographs of the former First Lady and later drew international attention when it was auctioned by Christie’s in 2017, selling for USD 379,500 (approximately THB 11,775,800).
These details suggest that the costume department for Love Story paid careful attention to historical nuance. Even so, the associations inevitably carry a quiet sense of melancholy.
Similar timepieces
While we can still expect to see more notable timepieces in the coming episodes of Love Story, we already spotted a similar-looking Cartier Tank watch on Jackie Kennedy (Naomi Watts) in the first episodes. It is likely it was meant to replicate her gifted timepiece. The Tank Must de Cartier comes with a steel case, a beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, silvered dial, and a black grained calfskin strap.
Another similar timepiece is the medium model of the Tank Louis Cartier watch. This 33.7mm x 25.5mm variation comes with a rose gold case, beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, silvered beaded deal, and a strap in semi-matte dark brown alligator skin.
Verdict
In Love Story, the Cartier Tank is far more than an accessory; it is a symbol of family legacy and a quiet witness to an important chapter in American history. Timeless in both design and meaning, our verdict on this Watch Crush is clear. It is a timepiece for the ages; a crush that becomes a keeper.
The Tank Louis Cartier Watch is priced at RM 59,000. Find out more at Cartier. In Malaysia, Love Story is streaming on Disney+. New episodes are released every Thursday.
This story first appeared here.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
