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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch

Cartier Tank Louis

Partially verified

This Cartier Tank Louis wristwatch is attributed to the late 1960s, a period predating the reference 78086. The timepiece features a rectangular gold case measuring 23mm x 31mm. The dial is white enamel with black printed Roman numerals and is signed "Paris" at the 6 o'clock position. It utilizes blued-steel sword-shaped hands to indicate time and is operated via a crown set with a sapphire cabochon. The watch is presented on a brown alligator strap secured by a Cartier-signed yellow gold deployant clasp. The auction description notes the case retains clear hallmarks and engravings, and it reports that the watch displays signs of wear consistent with its age, though it remains without major damage. The dial shows a light patina.

Front view of the Cartier Tank Louis with white Paris dial and alligator strap.
Front view of the Cartier Tank Louis with white Paris dial and alligator strap. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 1960s
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a rectangular gold case measuring 23mm by 31mm. The design incorporates integrated brancards that serve as the lugs. The case is described as retaining defined hallmarks and original factory proportions, indicating it has not undergone polishing.

The white enamel dial features a black printed Roman numeral hour track and a perimeter railroad-style minute index. The dial bears the designation "Paris" at the bottom. Time is indicated by a pair of blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and the winding crown is topped with a sapphire cabochon.

Evidence for this section
  • “features the classic 23mm x 31mm rectangular case, with clear and defined hallmarks and engravings and correct factory proportions”
  • “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”

Provenance and Classification

The timepiece is attributed to the late 1960s. This period is identified by the vendor as the tail end of Cartier's operation as a family-owned brand. The model precedes the subsequent reference 78086.

The Tank Louis Cartier, which the vendor notes was introduced in 1922, serves as the basis for this specific watch design.

Evidence for this section
  • “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.”
  • “the Tank Louis Cartier, was introduced in 1922”

Condition and Components

The auction description reports that the watch displays normal signs of wear across its surface but remains free of significant damage. The dial is noted as being well-preserved with a slight, gentle patina.

The watch is equipped with a brown alligator strap. The strap is paired with a period-correct yellow gold deployant clasp, which features a Cartier signature.

Evidence for this section
  • “It shows normal signs of wear throughout and is devoid of any major damage.”
  • “this example comes fitted to a brown alligator strap which is joined by its period-correct Cartier signed yellow gold deployant clasp.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber utilized in this late 1960s reference?
  • What are the exact dates for the family-owned period referenced by the seller versus the transition to the reference 78086?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Tank Louis
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“Cartier”
Datelate 1960s“Dating to the late 1960s”
Dimensions23mm x 31mm“23mm x 31mm rectangular case”
DialWhite enamel 'Paris' dial“white enamel 'Paris' dial”
HandsBlued-steel sword hands“blued-steel 'sword' handset”
CrownSapphire cabochon“sapphire cabochon crown”
StrapBrown alligator strap“brown alligator strap”
ClaspCartier-signed yellow gold deployant clasp“Cartier signed yellow gold deployant clasp”

Visible details

  • Rectangular case with extended lug brancards
  • White enamel dial with railroad minute track
  • Sapphire-set winding crown
  • Deployant folding clasp signed Cartier

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber is not identified in the source
  • Specific manufacture date within the 1960s is not verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Cartier Tank Louis با صفحه Paris

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 043e943d4e

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Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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