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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tank Louis Cartier

Cartier Tank Louis

Partially verified

This Cartier Tank Louis wristwatch dates to the late 1960s and features a rectangular gold case measuring 23mm x 31mm. The watch is defined by its characteristic brancards, which function as the lugs for the strap. The dial is white enamel and is signed "France" at the six o'clock position. It displays black printed Roman numerals and a central minute track. The watch is equipped with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a crown set with a sapphire cabochon. The piece is paired with a brown leather strap, which attaches via a yellow gold Cartier-signed deployant clasp. According to the auction description, the watch exhibits normal signs of wear consistent with its age and is free from major damage. The vendor notes that the "France" signature on the dial and case back identifies this as a specific execution intended for the United States market.

A detailed view of the Cartier Tank Louis dial, hands, crown, and gold case.
A detailed view of the Cartier Tank Louis dial, hands, crown, and gold case. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

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

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 utilizes the brancards as the integrated lugs for the leather strap attachment. The overall condition is described by the vendor as showing normal signs of wear with no major damage present.

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black printed Roman numeral hour markers alongside a central minute track. It is signed with the word 'France' at the bottom. Time is displayed via blued-steel sword-style hands, and the winding crown at the 3 o'clock position is inset with a sapphire cabochon.

Evidence for this section
  • “features the classic 23mm x 31mm rectangular case”
  • “Inside, the white enamel 'France' signed dial presents nicely”
  • “blued-steel 'sword' handset compliments the sapphire cabochon crown”

Market and Origins

According to the vendor, this specific example was originally intended for the United States market. This market designation is indicated by the presence of the 'France' signature on the dial as well as the 'Made In France' marking found on the reverse side of the watch case.

The piece is associated with the historical development of the Tank model, which the vendor dates back to the 1922 introduction of the Tank Louis Cartier iteration. The watch is supplied with a period-correct, Cartier-signed yellow gold deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “For the US market, Cartier proudly displayed "France" on the dial, as well as "Made In France" on the back of the case.”
  • “the Tank Louis Cartier, was introduced in 1922”
  • “this example comes fitted to a brown leather strap which is joined by its period-correct Cartier signed yellow gold deployant clasp”

Condition Report

The auction description reports that the watch displays normal signs of wear commensurate with its age. It is described as being free from any significant damage to the exterior components.

The dial is noted for having a gentle patina, and the black printed text is described as excellent. The case maintains its original factory proportions, and the hallmarks and engravings are described as clear and defined.

Evidence for this section
  • “It shows normal signs of wear throughout and is devoid of any major damage.”
  • “with excellent black printing and a very gentle patina.”
  • “with clear and defined hallmarks and engravings and correct factory proportions.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber housed within this watch?
  • Can the late 1960s dating be verified through serial number records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Tank Louis
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“Cartier”
Datelate 1960s“Dating to the late 1960s”
Case dimensions23mm x 31mm“23mm x 31mm rectangular case”
Dial markingsFrance“white enamel 'France' signed dial”
CrownSapphire cabochon“sapphire cabochon crown”
ClaspCartier signed yellow gold deployant clasp“period-correct Cartier signed yellow gold deployant clasp”
Country of originFrance“Made In France”

Visible details

  • Sapphire cabochon set in the winding crown at the 3 o'clock position.
  • White enamel dial featuring black Roman numeral indices and a minute track.
  • Blued-steel sword-shaped handset.
  • Tan textured leather strap with white contrast stitching.

Research qualifications

  • The dating to the 'late 1960s' is an estimate provided by the vendor.
  • The internal movement condition and specifications are not documented in the provided source.

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Cartier Tank Louis

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 27845a24f1

Terms in this record

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

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