WHY WE CURATED IT:
We often think of vintage Tank Musts as the most affordable Cartiers today. But not enough is said about their historical importance in saving the brand. The 3 decades post-WWII (late 40s to late 70s) was economic boom time in France with a growing nouveau riche clamouring for Cartier watches and luxury goods. But by the late 70s, things slowed, and super-accurate yet inexpensive quartz watches presented a double whammy. Cartier’s solution was to produce accessible versions of its iconic solid gold Tank Louis Cartier, but in quartz (mostly) and dialling down on gold. It worked. The brand sailed through the storm, unlike much of the Western industry. The piece of history we have here is a beautiful classic with a creamy lemon lacquer dial, bold squat Romans and black sword hands. Over 90% were quartz, but this one’s manual, with original box, strap and buckle.
CONDITION:
8.5/10, with light hairlines and one deeper scuff on the lower left lug. Crystal clean with a few small marks visible only under magnification. Hands and cabochon clean. Lacquer dial has minimal spidering in two corners, a lot less than normal for the age and indicate unreplaced originality. Caseback engravings/hallmarks clear. Original Cartier strap in very good used condition. Original Cartier buckle excellent. Movement in good health with good amplitude, accuracy ±20 secs/day averaged from 5 timegrapher positions.
DIMENSIONS:
20.5mm width excl. crown
28mm length incl. lugs
5.8mm thickness
15mm lug width
Visual dial width ~15mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm
CRYSTAL:
Mineral glass
CASE:
925 silver, 20 micron gold-plating
CASEBACK:
Screws on case sides
WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, per vintage watches
STRAP:
Original Cartier brown lizard (used), original Cartier buckle (14mm)
CALIBRE:
Cartier Cal. 78-1 (ETA 2512), 2-hand manual-winding
COMES WITH:
Watch, Cartier box, original Cartier strap, original Cartier buckle
PRICE:
MYR9,000
TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!
