Delve into the fascinating world of vintage Cartier Tank watches. Discover why these iconic timepieces are enjoying a resurgence and how they could become the stars of your watch collection.
The Cartier Tank: a phenomenon that goes against the grain
While the watch market is experiencing a general decline in prices, the Cartier Tank is an exception. ChronoPulse data reveals a 7.27% increase in the value of Cartier watches over the last 12 months, with a notable acceleration in the last 3 months.
Part of the reason for this trend is the return to favor of small watches and dress models. The presentation of the Tank Mini at Watches & Wonders confirmed this craze for smaller formats. Even celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Usher are adopting more discreet and refined watches.
The Tank Louis: the essence of Cartier elegance
Among the many variations of the Tank, the Tank Louis occupies a special place. Created by Louis Cartier himself as an evolution of the original Tank, it is characterized by its elongated proportions and softened angles.
James Lamdin, watch expert at Analog:Shift, highlights the importance of this model: “The Tank Louis often represents a collector’s first foray into the world of dress watches, acting as a gateway to a more refined, design-driven world of watchmaking.”
A Brief History of the Tank
Launched in 1919, the Tank revolutionized the world of watchmaking by making the wristwatch a true fashion accessory. Initially produced by the three Cartier houses (Paris, London and New York), it has undergone various evolutions over the decades:
– 1970s: introduction of quartz models and the more affordable Must de Cartier line– 1998: launch of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP), revaluing high-end mechanical movements
5 Exceptional vintage Cartier Tank Louis
Here is a selection of 5 of the most desirable vintage Cartier Tank Louis watches currently on the market:
1960s Louis Tank in Yellow Gold
This Tank Louis from the late 1960s epitomizes Cartier’s golden age. Powered by a hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 818/2 movement, it features a remarkably well-preserved yellow gold case. Its dial signed “Paris” gives it a particular appeal among collectors.
Price: around €14,900
Tank Louis “London” from 1965 in yellow gold
This rare Tank Louis produced by the Cartier house of London in 1965 is distinguished by its specific hallmarks. Its 23 mm x 31 mm yellow gold case houses a hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre movement. The black dial with Roman numerals and the original yellow gold buckle complete this exceptional timekeeper.
Price: $24,500
Tank Louis “Jumbo” from the 1970s
This Tank Louis nicknamed “Jumbo” illustrates Cartier’s experiments with formats. With its dimensions of 28 mm x 35 mm, it remains modest by today’s standards. Its particularity lies in its automatic movement, a rarity for a Tank. The dial signed “Paris” adds to its historical interest.
Price: $15,250
1980s Louis Tank in White Gold
This Tank Louis reference 96019 represents the evolution of the model in the 1980s. Its white gold case houses a hand-wound movement based on the Frédéric Piguet caliber 21. The elegance of its ultra-thin profile and its white dial with black Roman numerals make it a perfect example of the neo-vintage style.
Price: $14,750
Tank reference 1601 in platinum
This Tank reference 1601 is distinguished by its platinum case, a historically important material for Cartier. Its ultra-thin profile of 5.5 mm thick houses a hand-wound Cartier 21MC movement. The cream guilloché dial and dark blue hands give it a timeless elegance.
Price: $22,900
The Cartier Tank, and more specifically the Tank Louis, embodies the very essence of watchmaking elegance. These vintage models not only represent potentially interesting investments, but also unique witnesses to the history of watchmaking. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply a lover of beautiful watches, these vintage Cartier Tanks deserve your full attention.
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