WHY WE CURATED IT:
The importance of Must de Cartier Tanks is often overlooked… instrumental in saving Cartier 50 years ago when the boom of post-WWII France faded, and with it, demand for luxury. At the same time, cheap mass-produced quartz watches were flooding in from Asia. Cartier’s solution? Make accessible versions of the (otherwise full-gold) iconic Tank Louis but in gold-plated 925 silver, with Swiss quartz calibres. This runaway success kept Cartier’s watch business afloat, unlike much of the European industry. This version is in the LM size, with a “Slate Art Deco” dial, one of the most uncommon Tank dial variations with a lot of dynamism, shifting shades with the light, revealing and hiding details depending on angle. Vintage Tank aficionados will appreciate the late-build crown, which is hexagonal instead of beaded. A modernist graphical riff on Cartier classicism, and forever an icon of elegance.
CONDITION:
9.5/10, with minimal light hairlines only. Original “Swiss-only” dial and hands are super clean. Crystal has microscopic marks but not noticeable unless under magnification. Caseback engravings/hallmarks deep and crisp. Buckle, cabochon and crown are excellent. Original Cartier strap used but plenty usable. Movement in excellent health and quartz-accurate.
DIMENSIONS:
23.7mm width excl. crown
30.9mm length incl. lugs
6mm thickness
17mm lug width
Visual dial width ~16.5mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm
CRYSTAL:
Mineral glass
CASE:
925 silver, 20 micron gold-plating
WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, per vintage watches
STRAP:
Original Cartier black lizard strap and Cartier buckle (14mm)
CALIBRE:
Cartier Cal. 81, 2-hander quartz
COMES WITH:
Watch, Cartier lizard strap, Cartier buckle
TERMS OF SALE:
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