We have here a classic Cartier Tank with an unusual two tone/grey and black dial. There is a small amount of aging on the dial which gives no doubt to its originality. A mix of gilt, Roman numerals and stick markers sit on the black, inner ring. This subtle twist on a classic Cartier dial is something we go weak at the knees for! Gilt hands allow for easy readability and provide a nice contrast to the dial. And the cabochon winding crown completes the look. The Cartier Tank is enjoying a massive revival and demand for these watches could not be higher. The condition and rarity of this dial is something that makes this watch very special, especially when these more scarce models are hard to find!
The vermeil case, also known as silver gilt, or gold-plated 925 sterling silver, measures 21 x 27mm and this smaller size is better suited to a ladies or more petite wrist. Inside the case is a Swiss quartz caliber, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired this watch on a brown, crocodile strap, but it looks great on anything.
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 fifty 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.
This watch has been fully serviced in our on-site workshop and comes with our 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
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.”
Spec Stuff
Serial : 4****
Reference :3 66001
Movement : SwissQuartz, 17 Jewels Age : 1991/2000 Specific Age : 1990s Case Size : 21mm Case Thickness : 6mm Lug to Lug :27mm Lugs : 14mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : 925 Sterling Silver Gilt Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1990s Ladies Swiss Quartz Cartier Tank with Grey and Black Dial with Roman Numerals in Sterling Silver Gilt Vermeil
