Cartier Tank Louis - 'Paris' Dial Unpolished

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 20^th 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 example that we have here is one of those pieces. Dating to the late 1960s, it comes from the tail end of the time where Cartier was still family-owned brand, predating the Ref. 78086 that would follow. It features the classic 23mm x 31mm rectangular case, with clear and defined hallmarks and engravings and correct factory proportions. It shows normal signs of wear throughout and is devoid of any major damage. Inside, the white enamel 'Paris' dial is nicely preserved, with excellent black printing and a very gentle patina. The blued-steel 'sword' handset compliments the sapphire cabochon crown at the 3 o'clock position. Last but not least, this example comes fitted to a brown alligator strap which is joined by its period-correct Cartier signed yellow gold deployant clasp. 

This is probably what you think of when you hear "Cartier Tank" and thats for good reason. Examples from this era are becoming flat-out difficult to find, making this the last opportunity in who knows how long to pick up a fantastic example.