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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tank Louis Cartier

Cartier Tank Louis Ultra Thin Ref. 96019

Partially verified

This Cartier Tank Louis, identified by reference 96019, is an 18k yellow gold wristwatch. It features a manual-winding movement, specifically the Cartier-branded Piguet caliber 21, which provides an extra-thin profile for the case. Measuring 30mm by 23.5mm, the watch is fitted with a cream-colored dial displaying painted black Roman numerals and a railroad-style minute track. The dial is signed with the Cartier name at 7 o'clock and marked 'SWISS' at the 6 o'clock position. The hands are blued steel, and the winding crown is set with a blue cabochon. The watch is accompanied by a black leather strap and an original 18k gold Cartier pin buckle. According to the auction description, the serial number 960190xxx dates the watch to the 1970s. The piece has undergone a mechanical service.

Three-quarter view of the Cartier Tank Louis 18k yellow gold watch with black leather strap.
Three-quarter view of the Cartier Tank Louis 18k yellow gold watch with black leather strap. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Tank Louis Cartier
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
96019
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
960190xxx

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 an 18k yellow gold rectangular case measuring 30mm by 23.5mm. It retains its blue cabochon-topped winding crown, a design detail associated with the Tank collection. The lugs are integrated into the case structure, following the established Tank Louis aesthetic.

The dial has aged to a cream color and is decorated with painted black Roman numerals. A black railroad minute track surrounds the periphery of the dial. The brand signature is applied at the 7 o'clock position, and the term 'SWISS' is marked at the 6 o'clock position. Time is indicated by a pair of blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “18K yellow gold case – 30x23.5mm”
  • “Blue cabochon-topped winder”
  • “White , turned to a slight cream dial with painted black Roman numerals , signed Swiss”

Movement

The timepiece is powered by a manual-winding movement. The auction description identifies this as the Cartier-branded Piguet caliber 21. This movement was utilized to achieve the 'Ultra Thin' profile, also referred to as the 'Extra-Plate' model, distinguishing it from references that house the ETA-based caliber 78-1.

The vendor states that the watch has been fully serviced by their watchmaker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hand-wound Cartier branded Piguet cal. 21 movement”
  • “This refined movement gives the Tank its “Ultra Thin” or Extra-Plate nickname”
  • “Fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Provenance and Markings

The watch carries the serial number 960190xxx, which the auction description associates with a manufacturing date in the 1970s. The reference number is identified as 96019, though the specifications text also includes a mention of 96069.

The watch is equipped with an original 18k Cartier pin buckle paired with a black leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Serial , 960190xxx dating to the 1970s”
  • “original 18k Cartier pin buckle”

Open research questions

  • Is the reference number 96069 listed in the specifications a typographical error for 96019?
  • Are there specific production records for the 96019 reference to verify the 1970s dating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Tank Louis Ultra Thin Ref. 96019
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“Vendor: Cartier”
Reference96019“Cartier Tank Louis ultra thin cream dial ref 96019”
Case dimensions30x23.5mm“18K yellow gold case – 30x23.5mm”
MovementPiguet caliber 21“Hand-wound Cartier branded Piguet cal. 21 movement”
Dating1970s“Serial , 960190xxx dating to the 1970s”
Dial markingsCartier, SWISS“dial also featuring a discreet Cartier signature at 7 o’clock and is signed SWISS at the 6 o'clock side”
Material18k yellow gold“18K yellow gold case”

Visible details

  • Rectangular yellow gold case with rounded lugs
  • Blue cabochon-topped crown
  • Cream-colored dial with painted black Roman numerals
  • Blued steel hands

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting reference numbers: 96019 in the title and 96069 in the specifications
  • Exact manufacturing date is based on the provided serial number range rather than specific documentation

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Cartier Tank Louis Ultra Thin طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار رفرنس 96019

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0d8bf75559

Terms in this record

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

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