This watch is a perfect example of Tank “Mécanique Petit Modèle” from the late 1960s.
It is wounded by a manual-winding caliber (ref. 168/1, Jaeger-Lecoultre based), and features an immaculate white “Paris” dial.
Furthermore, it is fitted with its original numbered solid gold folding clasp, which is very rare.
These mechanical models produced before the company reorganization in the early 1970s are particularly sought-after by watch collectors, due to their rarity (the production was actually very low at that time).
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This watch is a perfect example of Tank “Mécanique Petit Modèle” from the late 1960s.
It is wounded by a manual-winding caliber (ref. 168/1, Jaeger-Lecoultre based), and features an immaculate white “Paris” dial.
Furthermore, it is fitted with its original numbered solid gold folding clasp, which is very rare.
These mechanical models produced before the company reorganization in the early 1970s are particularly sought-after by watch collectors, due to their rarity (the production was actually very low at that time).
Cartier introduced the Tank in 1917. The design of the Tank was inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks: Cartier took the look of this tank’s treads and applied it to the lugs, which were integrated via brancards into the case itself.
Plenty happened with Cartier and the Tank during the middle part of the twentieth century, and it would be impossible to write an exhaustive history of every Tank variation here. The Tank Louis Cartier was introduced in 1922, and it represents the quintessence of all the Cartier Tanks.
This model was not immediately named after its maker, Louis Cartier. It was first named “Tank à Bords Arrondis”, but probably for simplification purposes, it was renamed Tank Louis Cartier or Tank LC in 1924. With its frank Art Deco appearance, handsomely-aged rectangular dial, crisp Roman numerals, and blued steel sword hands, this model is the benchmark for all Cartier Tank models.
During almost 100 years, the Tank Louis Cartier has been fitted with many different movements, including European Watch & Clock calibers at the beginning (EWC was a joint venture company created by Cartier and Edmond Jaeger in the 1920s), Jaeger Lecoultre, ETA, Audemars Piguet, Frédéric Piguet…
It has also produced in different sizes. Aside the standard Louis Cartier model, smaller watches have been designed especially for women.
Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in 1847 in Paris. The Maison became rapidly popular with the Parisian high-society and the international elite. The grandson Louis, a major pillar in the development of the brand, opened the Cartier Boutique, Rue de la Paix in 1899. First renowned for jewelry, it started with wristwatches in 1904 with the Santos, an iconic model along with the mythic Tank in 1917. Master of design culture, Cartier has given birth to a multitude of unusual designs for its immediately-recognizable watches.
The purpose of this document is to determine whether the constituent parts of the watch are conform to the model reference /period or not, and to value their condition and importance.
All the watches are provided with a digital certificate (the Watchfid-ID), that will be uploaded on your protected and anonymous digital wallet.
This document presents each watch in the most objective and detailed manner possible, thanks to a substantiated analysis, high-resolution photos designed to highlight all elements of the watch and an innovative rating system. Available in printed and digital versions.
On request and when available, an extract of the archives from the manufacturer can be obtained.
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