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Legends in Time When Boston imagines a legend, Paul Revere or nathaniel Hawthorne may come to mind, but in the watch world a select group of storied swiss brands has created legends that rival those of local lore. Origins: The Cartier brand is credited with creating the first modern wristwatch, based on a timepiece that Louis Cartier designed for aviator Alberto Santos Dumont at the beginning of the 20th century. About a decade later, the renowned Cartier Tank was unveiled, with a bold square case said to be inspired by tanks driven in the First World War. Evolution: One of the world's first square wristwatches, the Tank quickly became an icon. Regularly over the last century, Cartier has updated the collection, adding the Francaise, Americaine, and Anglaise versions, which feature rectangular and square shapes that mimic the original Tank design. Lovers of the legend: Greta Garbo; Cary Grant; Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; Truman Capote; Andy Warhol; Diana, Princess of Wales; and Michelle Obama. Details: This watch combines history and modernity in its skeleton- ized movement. Crafted in 18k gold, it contains the Caliber 9619 MC, which is designed in-house and features bridges ingeniously built to form Roman numerals. Price: $56,000 Where to buy: Cartier, 40 Newbury St., 617-262-3300; cartier.com C a r t i E r t a n k M C S k E L E t O n by RObeRTA NAAS PhOTOGR APhy by JeFF CR AWFOR D 112 bostoncommon-magazine.com