1970s Cartier Tank Mechanical Manual Wind with lapis lazuli type Dial in 925 case with box

Product Code: AWCCA1789

Availability:Out of stock

This Watch

We have here a beautiful Cartier Tank with blue lapis lazuli dial, which embodies late 1970s and early 80s fashions. This piece is a vintage original, mechanical manual wind model with an unusual dial effect, gold glitter type specs making the dial individule and quite rare and adds a sophistication  aspect to the design. The Must collection remains one of Cartier's most popular designs since it was conceived by Louis Cartier in 1924. The dial is complete with some of the best classic Cartier features:sword hands and cabochon winding crown. The Tank watch is currently enjoying a massive revival in demand and the more scare models are hard to find. The condition and rarity of this dial makes this watch very special! the dial has a unique age / patina crazy pave effect to the lacquer or spider web as it's known! pretty cool.

The vermeil case, also known as silver gilt, or gold-plated sterling silver, measures 23 x 30mm and is a very comfortable wear on the wrist for both him and her. Inside the case is a Swiss, mechanical manual wind caliber, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired this watch on a black, croco grain leather strap, attached to its original cartier Buckle which in our opinion works perfectly.


Extra Points 

The Cartier Tank is over 100 years old and is still one of the most recognisable watch designs ever made. It was inspired by the top view of the First World War Tanks, where the tracks ran around the body of the vehicle, and during an age where machines were inspiring design everywhere through design movement including Cubism, Bauhaus and de Stijl. When it was first designed in 1919, the simple design followed Louis Cartier’s design codes from his earlier wristwatches; the railway-style minute tracking, Roman numerals, blue steel hands, the cabochon winding crown and, Cartier’s own invention, the deployment buckle. It was also at this time that Edmond Jaeger designed the movements, which were made by LeCoultre. In the 50 years since the first Cartier Tank was sold, only 6,000 were ever produced (6 were produced in the first year and 33 in the second), making Tanks from this age incredibly rare.


It wasn’t until 1976 that the in-house Must de Cartier Tank was launched, the first product in the in-house Must line. These Tanks were made of vermeil, or silver gilt, which is gold-plated sterling silver. This made the new line more affordable whilst still having the prestige of being made from a precious metal. Various sizes, dial colours and finishes were then produced for both men and women. The Must de Cartier line was faded out at the beginning of the 21st century.



What we think

Cartier Tanks have been worn by the greats throughout its lifetime including Fred Astaire, Jackie Kennedy, Michelle Obama and Princess Diana.  Andy Warhol famously said,  “I don’t wear a Tank to tell the time.  In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear.”  These Blue lapis type dialled tanks with mechanical movements are particularly rare and the presence of buckle and box too.

Spec Stuff

Serial : 6081****
Reference : Tank Le Must
Movement : Mechanical Manual Wind
Age : 1971/1980
Specific Age : 1970s
Case Size : 23.5mm 
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug :
30mm
Lugs :
17mm
Condition :
 Pre-Owned
Box & Papers :
 Box
Case Material :
  18ct Gold over Sterling Silver 925
Service History :
12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty

1970s Cartier Tank Mechanical Manual Wind with lapis lazuli type Dial in 925 case with box