Cartier Tank London Jumbo Blue Dial (Ref. 5512116)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History and Significance
Few watches have influenced the history of design quite like the Cartier Tank. Introduced in 1917 and first sold in 1919, the Tank challenged the conventions of early wristwatch design with a rectangular case inspired by the geometry of military tanks. Its parallel brancards, Roman numerals, and distinctive winding crown established an aesthetic that would become one of the most recognizable in watchmaking. Over the following decades, Cartier developed numerous interpretations of the original concept, each reflecting a different period in the company's history. Among the most fascinating are the watches produced through Cartier's historic London operation, where a more experimental approach to traditional Cartier design resulted in some exceptionally unusual creations.
Cartier London occupies a particularly interesting place in the manufacturer's history. During the twentieth century, Cartier operated through three important branches in Paris, London, and New York, each with its own identity and approach to design. Under the direction of Jean-Jacques Cartier, the London operation became known for its creative independence, producing watches and jewelry that frequently departed from the more restrained conventions of the Parisian house. This spirit of experimentation became especially apparent during the 1960s and 1970s, when Cartier London developed some of the most imaginative designs associated with the manufacturer. Unusual case shapes, expressive proportions, and distinctive dial treatments became important characteristics of this period.
The reference 5512116 is a striking interpretation of the Tank, distinguished by its substantial rectangular case and unusual blue dial. Rather than relying on the conventional white dial with black Roman numerals, this execution reverses the familiar relationship between the background and the hour markers. The deep blue surface is complemented by gold Roman numerals, creating a dramatic contrast that immediately distinguishes the watch from more traditional Cartier designs. A rectangular railroad minute track frames the center of the dial, preserving an important element of the Tank's original visual identity. The combination is unmistakably Cartier, yet the overall appearance feels considerably more expressive than the familiar Tank Louis Cartier.
The Jumbo proportions are another defining characteristic of this reference. At 28mm by 38mm, the case offers a substantial interpretation of the traditional rectangular Tank, particularly when considered alongside the smaller dress watches commonly produced during the same period. Its broad gold-plated brancards surround the dial with a distinctive architectural frame, emphasizing the geometry that has always been central to the Tank's appeal. The stepped case construction introduces additional depth, while the blue cabochon-style crown provides another familiar Cartier detail. These elements create a watch with a remarkably strong visual identity, despite the simplicity of its manually wound two-hand movement.
Writer’s Thoughts
The blue dial is what makes the reference 5512116 so compelling. There is something particularly attractive about seeing Cartier's familiar Roman numerals rendered in gold against such a rich blue background. The combination feels considerably more dramatic than a traditional white-dial Tank, yet it retains the unmistakable elegance of the original design. The oversized numerals, rectangular railroad track, and broad gold case create a wonderful sense of proportion. It is a watch that feels decorative without becoming excessive, with the dial doing much of the work.
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 London Jumbo (Ref. 5512116)
Year: Circa 1970s–1980s
Case Material: Gold electroplated
Case Size: 28mm x 38mm
Dial: Blue lacquer with gold Roman numerals
Movement: Manual wind
Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap
Buckle/Clasp: Generic pin buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: Excellent condition with no gold loss and only light signs of normal wear.
Dial: Near perfect with no notable cracks, chips, or fading.
Hands: Excellent condition.
Crystal: Clean overall.
Strap/Bracelet: New leather strap.
Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle in excellent condition.
Cartier Tank London Jumbo Blue Dial (Ref. 5512116)
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- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History and Significance
Few watches have influenced the history of design quite like the Cartier Tank. Introduced in 1917 and first sold in 1919, the Tank challenged the conventions of early wristwatch design with a rectangular case inspired by the geometry of military tanks. Its parallel brancards, Roman numerals, and distinctive winding crown established an aesthetic that would become one of the most recognizable in watchmaking. Over the following decades, Cartier developed numerous interpretations of the original concept, each reflecting a different period in the company's history. Among the most fascinating are the watches produced through Cartier's historic London operation, where a more experimental approach to traditional Cartier design resulted in some exceptionally unusual creations.
Cartier London occupies a particularly interesting place in the manufacturer's history. During the twentieth century, Cartier operated through three important branches in Paris, London, and New York, each with its own identity and approach to design. Under the direction of Jean-Jacques Cartier, the London operation became known for its creative independence, producing watches and jewelry that frequently departed from the more restrained conventions of the Parisian house. This spirit of experimentation became especially apparent during the 1960s and 1970s, when Cartier London developed some of the most imaginative designs associated with the manufacturer. Unusual case shapes, expressive proportions, and distinctive dial treatments became important characteristics of this period.
The reference 5512116 is a striking interpretation of the Tank, distinguished by its substantial rectangular case and unusual blue dial. Rather than relying on the conventional white dial with black Roman numerals, this execution reverses the familiar relationship between the background and the hour markers. The deep blue surface is complemented by gold Roman numerals, creating a dramatic contrast that immediately distinguishes the watch from more traditional Cartier designs. A rectangular railroad minute track frames the center of the dial, preserving an important element of the Tank's original visual identity. The combination is unmistakably Cartier, yet the overall appearance feels considerably more expressive than the familiar Tank Louis Cartier.
The Jumbo proportions are another defining characteristic of this reference. At 28mm by 38mm, the case offers a substantial interpretation of the traditional rectangular Tank, particularly when considered alongside the smaller dress watches commonly produced during the same period. Its broad gold-plated brancards surround the dial with a distinctive architectural frame, emphasizing the geometry that has always been central to the Tank's appeal. The stepped case construction introduces additional depth, while the blue cabochon-style crown provides another familiar Cartier detail. These elements create a watch with a remarkably strong visual identity, despite the simplicity of its manually wound two-hand movement.
Writer’s Thoughts
The blue dial is what makes the reference 5512116 so compelling. There is something particularly attractive about seeing Cartier's familiar Roman numerals rendered in gold against such a rich blue background. The combination feels considerably more dramatic than a traditional white-dial Tank, yet it retains the unmistakable elegance of the original design. The oversized numerals, rectangular railroad track, and broad gold case create a wonderful sense of proportion. It is a watch that feels decorative without becoming excessive, with the dial doing much of the work.
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 London Jumbo (Ref. 5512116)
Year: Circa 1970s–1980s
Case Material: Gold electroplated
Case Size: 28mm x 38mm
Dial: Blue lacquer with gold Roman numerals
Movement: Manual wind
Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap
Buckle/Clasp: Generic pin buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: Excellent condition with no gold loss and only light signs of normal wear.
Dial: Near perfect with no notable cracks, chips, or fading.
Hands: Excellent condition.
Crystal: Clean overall.
Strap/Bracelet: New leather strap.
Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle in excellent condition.