1970s Cartier Tank Rare Cream Paris Dial With Gold Hands (Ref. 78086)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
Early Tank Louis references from the 1970s hold a special place in Cartier’s production history, and this example sits within the first six hundred pieces made for reference 78086. Watches from this early run often show traits that later versions do not, including dial signatures, hand styles, and hallmark practices that reflect the smaller scale of Cartier’s production at the time.
This example features an early Paris signed dial that has aged into a warm cream tone. The finish is consistent across the surface and pairs neatly with the original, very rare gold hands, both of which add to the watch's character without distracting from the classic design. The case remains unpolished with deep hallmarks on the back, including an original store inventory number, a detail collectors appreciate because it documents the watch’s early retail history. The domed crystal also appears original to the watch, matching the profile seen on early mechanical Tanks of this era.
Writer’s Thoughts
This is the kind of Tank that speaks directly to early Cartier production. The cream aging on the Paris dial, the unpolished case, and the original gold hands give it a presence that modern Tanks cannot replicate. It feels honest, straightforward, and very much in line with what collectors look for in a 1970s Tank Louis.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.
Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis ref. 78086
Year: 1970s
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Case Size: 23 mm by 30 mm
Dial: Early Paris dial aged to cream with original gold hands
Crystal: Mineral crystal
Movement: Manual wind
Strap: Leather strap
Buckle/Clasp: Cartier buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: Unpolished with deep hallmarks and original store inventory number
Crystal: Appears original with light wear
Dial: Early Paris dial with even cream aging
Hands: Original gold hands in excellent condition
Strap: New with minor wear from storage
Buckle: Cartier buckle in clean condition
1970s Cartier Tank Rare Cream Paris Dial With Gold Hands (Ref. 78086)
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- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History & Significance
Early Tank Louis references from the 1970s hold a special place in Cartier’s production history, and this example sits within the first six hundred pieces made for reference 78086. Watches from this early run often show traits that later versions do not, including dial signatures, hand styles, and hallmark practices that reflect the smaller scale of Cartier’s production at the time.
This example features an early Paris signed dial that has aged into a warm cream tone. The finish is consistent across the surface and pairs neatly with the original, very rare gold hands, both of which add to the watch's character without distracting from the classic design. The case remains unpolished with deep hallmarks on the back, including an original store inventory number, a detail collectors appreciate because it documents the watch’s early retail history. The domed crystal also appears original to the watch, matching the profile seen on early mechanical Tanks of this era.
Writer’s Thoughts
This is the kind of Tank that speaks directly to early Cartier production. The cream aging on the Paris dial, the unpolished case, and the original gold hands give it a presence that modern Tanks cannot replicate. It feels honest, straightforward, and very much in line with what collectors look for in a 1970s Tank Louis.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.
Brand: Cartier
Model: Tank Louis ref. 78086
Year: 1970s
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Case Size: 23 mm by 30 mm
Dial: Early Paris dial aged to cream with original gold hands
Crystal: Mineral crystal
Movement: Manual wind
Strap: Leather strap
Buckle/Clasp: Cartier buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: Unpolished with deep hallmarks and original store inventory number
Crystal: Appears original with light wear
Dial: Early Paris dial with even cream aging
Hands: Original gold hands in excellent condition
Strap: New with minor wear from storage
Buckle: Cartier buckle in clean condition