Introduction
Few watch designs have proved as enduring as the Cartier Tank. Created in 1917 and released commercially two years later, its deceptively simple architecture established a design language that Cartier has continually revisited for more than a century. The parallel brancards, rectangular case and seamless integration of case and strap created a watch that was radically modern at its introduction and remains instantly recognisable today.
The Tank Normale represents the design in its purest form, being the direct descendant of that original 1917 Tank. This 1967 example is particularly interesting as a Cartier London watch, housed in an 18K yellow gold case and featuring an unusually restrained white dial. Rather than the traditional chemin-de-fer minute track, the dial is completely pared back, displaying only elongated black Roman numerals, blued steel hands and a simple Cartier signature. Inside is a manually wound LeCoultre calibre K821 signed Cartier, continuing the historic relationship between Cartier and one of Switzerland's great movement manufacturers.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box
Est. value range
$80,000 – $120,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
30.5mm × 22mm
Model
Tank Normale
Movement
Manual-wind LeCoultre cal. K821, signed Cartier
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1967
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K yellow gold
Included
Box
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Exceptionally restrained even by Tank standards, the white dial dispenses entirely with the traditional railway minute track. Elongated black Roman numerals, blued steel hands and a simple CARTIER signature are the only elements present, creating a wonderfully clean interpretation of one of watchmaking's most recognisable dial designs.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 18K yellow gold Tank Normale case preserves the architecture of Cartier's original Tank, with its strong parallel brancards flowing directly into the strap and screw-set bars positioned between them. A faceted crown completes a design whose proportions and geometry have remained remarkably relevant for more than a century.
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 surface scratches and has developed a warm patina. Two hallmarks on the case side remain legible. The screws to the case sides show light wear. The cabochon-topped winding crown is in excellent condition. The dial has developed some age-related degradation around the edges that is hidden under the bezel of the case. Crystal has some accumulated debris visible along the corners that is evident in the images. The blued minute hand has some aging and spotting. It is fitted with a brown Cartier leather strap and a Cartier 18K gold deployant clasp, both in excellent condition. The watch and clasp have "n" hallmarks, dating production to 1967. The serial number on case and deployment buckle are the same. Comes with a vintage Cartier London presentation box.
Our Perspective
The Tank Normale is Cartier reduced to its essential geometry, and this London example takes that restraint even further. The absence of a minute track gives the dial an unusually pure appearance, while the yellow gold case, Cartier-signed LeCoultre movement and period deployant clasp make it a compelling expression of mid-century Cartier watchmaking. For collectors drawn to early and unusual Tanks, its simplicity is precisely what makes it stand out.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
