Introduction
Few watches are as immediately recognisable as the Cartier Tank, whose rectangular case and Roman numeral dial have remained remarkably consistent since the design first appeared in the early 20th century. In the 1970s, Cartier introduced an unusual evolution of the Tank Louis Cartier with the so-called “Jumbo”, enlarging the familiar proportions and, more significantly, introducing an automatic movement to a model traditionally associated with manually wound calibres.
The reference 17002 pairs its larger Tank Louis case with the self-winding calibre 170, requiring the distinctive protruding or “bubble” case back needed to accommodate the automatic winding rotor. Executed here in classic 18k yellow gold with a white dial, black Roman numerals and blued hands, it combines the unmistakable elegance of the Tank Louis with unusual proportions and mechanical architecture, making the Jumbo one of the most distinctive Cartier Tank variants of the period.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
28mm x 35mm
Model
Jumbo Tank Louis Automatic
Movement
Automatic cal. 170
Reference
17002
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1970s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K Yellow Gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Classically Cartier in its execution, the white Paris-signed dial features elongated black Roman numerals, an inner railway minute track and blued steel hands. The familiar Tank Louis design provides an elegant counterpoint to the Jumbo's larger dimensions and unusual automatic construction.
THE CONSTRUCTION
At approximately 28mm x 35mm, the Jumbo is significantly larger than many vintage Tank Louis models and has considerable presence on the wrist. Its 18k yellow gold case retains the familiar elongated brancards and sapphire-set crown, while the distinctive protruding case back provides the additional internal space required by its automatic movement.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The 18K yellow gold case shows light surface scratches and small nicks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. The case back retains well-defined engravings. The hallmark on the case side remains well defined, while the case screws show some wear. The original Paris signed dial has some surface marks, and the blued hands show some spotting. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a gold-coloured Cartier pin buckle.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The Jumbo occupies an unusual position within the history of the Tank Louis Cartier, combining the model's enduring classical design with larger 1970s proportions and the convenience of automatic winding. In yellow gold, the reference 17002 retains everything that makes a traditional Tank so appealing while offering a distinctly different wrist presence and mechanical character, making it one of the more intriguing vintage interpretations of Cartier's most famous design.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
