Introduction
Debuting in 1917 and released to the public in 1919, the Cartier Tank Normale was designed by Louis Cartier as the first Tank variant after he was inspired by the shape of the Renault tanks he saw on the Western Front during WWI. Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of horological design to ever be created, the Tank’s rectangular shape, svelte proportions, and timeless aesthetic have enabled it to earn a top spot within the horological hall of fame. Amongst the plethora of models that belong to this iconic collection is perhaps the purest distillation of its design, the Tank Normale that we have here. True to the original, this Tank Normale features the same classical white dial and case sides that Cartier’s original design had. These case sides, called “brancards”, extend past the horizontal portion of the Tank’s bezel and stretch to form its lugs as they curl down to hug the wrist. The same watch that Louis Cartier designed all those years ago, it was the Tank Normale that spawned the now-legendary collection and all of its associated models such as the Tank Francaise, Tank Cintree, Tank Louis, Tank Americaine and so on.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
30mm L x 22.5mm W
Model
Tank Normale
Movement
Manual-winding cal. 78-1
Reference
78092
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa late 1970s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Boasting a combination of black Roman numerals on a white dial with blued steel hands, a thin railroad-style minute track, and the famed Paris signature at 6 o'clock, this Tank Normale features the dial that has become a lynchpin of the brand's iconic classical aesthetic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Offered with a slightly different shape to the rest of the Tank models, the Tank Normale boasts a more square shape with thicker brancards that allow its silhouette to more closely resemble that of an actual tank. At 23mm x 30mm, the ref. 78092 is the quintessential Tank in all its glory.
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
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case is well defined, with some scratches and very light marks. There is some wear to the screw heads, particularly those for the strap bars. The case back has very crisp engravings and hallmarks. The white Paris-signed dial is excellent, complemented by clean blued hands. The crystal shows light scratches and small chips at the edge. The watch is fitted with a Cartier black alligator strap with a yellow gold deployant clasp, both in excellent condition.
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
Offered as the first Tank all those years back in 1919, the Tank Normale is where the Tank began and arguably where modern horology was born, with its iconic design's impact on watchmaking still being felt to this day over 100 years later.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
