WHY WE CURATED IT:
Rare on three counts. (1) Seldom-seen all-original lacquered “wood grain” Swiss-only dial, not a service replacement! (2) Most Tank Vermeils are quartz, but this one’s manual. (3) The entire watch is in original untouched wabi-sabi condition with all original parts including the crystal… truly uncommon out there. It’s thought that Cartier made accessible versions of the Tank Louis Cartier, the most iconic and classic dress watch ever, because everyone “Must” own a Tank (hence “Must de Cartier”). More affordable, but still in luxurious 925 silver with thick 20 micron gold plating. 70s-90s Tanks are all the rage these days, and with this one you can get on board but still stand out!
CONDITION:
8/10. Case is in good condition overall, with hairlines, but no wear-down or oxidisation. Deep, sharp engravings/hallmarks on the caseback. Crystal is original, not aftermarket replacement, and has some fine marks but nothing conspicuous. Lacquered dial is both unique and beautifully original, with spidering common for the age, but intact without loss of integrity. Spidering is often appreciated as natural lacquer patina, and indicates unreplaced originality. Original Cartier buckle has minimal hairlines. Aftermarket strap is new. Movement in very good health with to-spec power reserve, high amplitude, low beat error, ±15 secs/day averaged from 5 timegrapher positions.
DIMENSIONS:
23.5mm width excl. crown
31mm length incl. lugs
6.6mm thick
17mm lug width
Visual dial width ~16.5mm
Wrist in photos 15.8cm in circumference
CRYSTAL:
Mineral glass
CASE:
Silver, 20 micron gold-plating
CASEBACK:
Case-side screws
WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, per vintage watches
STRAP:
New aftermarket burgundy croc-embossed and original Cartier buckle (16mm).
CALIBRE:
Cartier Cal. 78-1 (ETA 2512 base), manual-winding 2-hander
COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap, Cartier buckle
TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!
