The Watch
The Tank is a line of watches made by Cartier. It was created by Louis Cartier in 1917, and inspired by the new Renault tanks which Cartier saw in use on the Western front.
The Tank was introduced in 1918, and entered full production in 1919, when six pieces were built. Its lines and proportions are similar to those of tanks used on First World War battlefields. Variations of the watch have been released by Cartier, including the Tank Louis in 1922, the Tank Americaine in 1989, and the Tank Française in 1996.
The defining features of a Tank watch include its bold Roman numeral dial with a chemin de fer chapter ring, sword-shaped blued steel hands, and a sapphire cabochon-surmounted crown.
The Tank has become one of the most highly coveted and copied wristwatches of all time, and has been worn by, amongst others, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana and Yves Saint Laurent.
“I don't wear a Tank watch to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it's the watch to wear.” (Andy Warhol)
Specific Information
Object nr: A WOFS Client sale
Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis
Reference: 8810xxxx
Year: 1990’s
Movement: Cartier 81, (quartz)
Material: Solid 18k gold
Original crown: Yes
Dimensions: 24 x 24 mm, without crown
Strap/Bracelet: Rare grain de riz-bracelet (16.5cm)
Box/Papers: Yes, original box included.
The Condition
The Tank Louis is a true icon with beautiful proportions and classic design, almost nothing have been changed since 1918.
The watch got some signs of wear at the case and bracelet as you can see in the pictures. They become more or less visible depending on angle and light but nothing remarkabel. No dings or deep scratches. The dial have developed a beautiful ”spider web”-structure. If you don't like the charachteristica of this dial, it is possible to replace it with a new dial from Cartier for €280.
Everything on the watch is original and is ready for new adventures!
The service history is unknown but the watch works perfectly without any problems.
Sold "as it is”!
The pictures is a part of the description, study therefore the pictures carefully!
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