Introduction
Released in 1917, the Cartier Tank was designed by Louis Cartier 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 Louis Cartier. True to the original, the Tank Louis Cartier features the same classical dial and rounded case sides called “brancards” that stretch to form its lugs as the watch Louis Cartier designed all those years ago, which spawned the now-legendary collection and all of its associated models such as the Tank Francaise, Tank Cintree and so on.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
28mm x 20mm
Model
Tank Louis Small
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
78087
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Featuring Cartier's signature crisp white dial with their iconic combination of black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, this Tank's dial design has become a lynchpin of the brand's aesthetic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Offered as the smaller of the two Tank Louis options at the time, the ref. 78087 is 28mm x 20mm, making it slightly more svelte than its big brother, the ref. 78086.
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 yellow gold case shows surface scratches and small marks, while the case back retains well-defined engravings and stamps along with a personal engraving. There is a well-defined hallmark visible on the case side. The cabochon-topped winding crown remains excellent. The dial remains near mint, while the hands remain very clean. The crystal shows surface scratches. It is fitted with a black Cartier lizard strap in good condition and a yellow gold plated Cartier-style pin buckle in excellent condition.
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
Perhaps one of the few truly timeless timepieces, the Tank Louis Cartier's aesthetic looks as fresh and modern as ever. Even with its over 100-year-old design, it still looks as contemporary as ever - that's not something a lot of watches can say.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
