Cartier Tank Louis Ref. 78087 'Ladies' - 'Paris' Dial

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.

What we have here is one of those pieces. This 'ladies' size example dates to circa the 1970s and features all of right proportions as the 'full-size' Tank Louis, just in a slightly smaller 21mm x 28mm case. This one comes to us in strong overall condition, showing signs of having been lightly polished at a previous time, while retaining clear hallmarks and showing normal wear throughout. The white enamel 'Paris' signed dial inside exhibits a light patina and wear from age with some crazing visible when inspected with a loupe, and also features 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.

This piece is not only an excellent example fit for any collection, but a piece worthy of the iconic nomenclature that it bears.