Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Cartier Tank Louis - 'London'

Sale price$23,450.00 USD

The Cartier Tank was one of the first wristwatches. Full stop!

Inspired by the Renault Tanks used on the battlefield in WWI — yes, true story. Revolutionary at the time, Louis Cartier took inspiration from the profile of the treads on a period Renault tank, and based the case on them by way of the of brancards doubling as the lugs themselves. Over the course of the 20th Century, the Tank became the watch to wear. Silent movie stars like Rudolph Valentino, artists like Andy Warhol, and even Jackie Kennedy were all fans of the signature timepiece from the King of Jewelers and the Jeweler of Kings. An icon indeed in the truest sense of the word.

The model was first introduced in a few different case shapes which bore different names that intertwine with the inspiration behind them. 

Perhaps the most significant, well-known, and debatably desirable of these first pieces, the Tank Louis Cartier, was introduced in 1922 and was named after Louis Cartier himself. When people think of a Cartier Tank, theres a good change that this is the model that comes to mind.

The Tank that we have here is a variation of that original model — though with a few very subtle differences than most Tank LCs...

Dating to circa 1965, it features a 23mm x 31mm rectangular case in excellent condition for its age, showing signs of only a very light previous polishing and normal wear. The dial within is white with printed black 'Roman' numeral indices we well as a 'chemin de fer' minute rack and an always beautiful blued-steel 'sword' handset — which is complimented that ubiquitous blue sapphire cabochon crown. The best part about this particular tank is hidden within the case in the form of a few hallmarks that denote this piece was retailed at Cartier in London — giving it the colloquial name "London Tank."

Accompanied by a Cartier signed strap with a period correct yellow gold deployant clasp, this is probably what you think of when you hear "Cartier Tank" and thats for good reason. This one has a rare hidden twist for one lucky owner.

Yellow Gold 1965 Manual 23mm x 31mm
Contact Us

Have a question about this watch?

Leave your question below and we'll get back to you shortly.

Thanks for getting in touch!

We appreciate you contacting us. One of our colleagues will get back in touch with you soon!


Have a great day!

Thanks for getting in touch!

We appreciate you contacting us. One of our colleagues will get back in touch with you soon!


Have a great day!

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

Oliver & Clarke

Have a question about this watch?

Leave your question below and we'll get back to you shortly.

Thanks for getting in touch!

We appreciate you contacting us. One of our colleagues will get back in touch with you soon!


Have a great day!

Thanks for getting in touch!

We appreciate you contacting us. One of our colleagues will get back in touch with you soon!


Have a great day!