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Cartier Tank Louis Cartier - Elongated Crown

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  • Reference 78087
  • Watch Only

Year: Circa 1980s
Model: Tank Louis
Case Diameter: 21mm 
Lug to Lug: 38mm
Case: Solid Gold 
Dial: White
Movement: Manual

Condition

This Louis is in amazing condition, with normal wear. The watch is an early example of the 78087 with the inventory number engraved on the caseback and the large pointed crown. The dial has no signs of wear to the naked eye with a few light marks on the crystal. The watch comes with a Cartier tang buckle.

Louis Cartier, the founder of the Cartier Tank, invented the iconic model in 1917, paying homage to the Renault FT-17, a French tank used during World War I. The Tank's design was inspired by Renault's modern lines and was gifted to U.S. General John Pershing in 1918. The Tank debuted in 1919 and gained popularity in the early 1920s. The brand has a variety of modern-day models, including the Tank Anglaise, which features a case-incorporated winding mechanism and quartz movement; the Tank Louis Cartier, which features rounded lugs and a skeleton case; the Tank Americaine, which is an elongated version of the classic, the Tank Francaise, which is the sportiest, the Tank MC, which is the most masculine, and the Tank Solo, which showcases the best of the model. The Cartier Tank has been in production longer than most watches, making it an iconic masterpiece that combines classic design with modern principles.

Cartier, a luxury watch brand, has been synonymous with elegance, innovation, and timeless appeal since its inception in 1847. The brand's early creations, including the Cartier Santos and Cartier Tank, were an embodiment of aesthetic innovation and mechanical mastery, merging the finesse of jewelry with the functionality of timekeeping. As the brand grew, so did the family's involvement, as the children and grandchildren of Louis-François Cartier expanded the business and opened boutiques in various cosmopolitan cities.

The turn of the 20th century marked a revolutionary phase for Cartier, with the introduction of the Cartier Santos, which was designed for the famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and became one of the first wristwatches designed explicitly for men. The Cartier Tank watch, inspired by the geometric design of military tanks, was a symbol of modernity and minimalistic elegance. The uniquely shaped Cartier Tonneau broke away from conventional circular designs, demonstrating Cartier's commitment to artistic creativity and mechanical excellence.

Cartier's success in the early 20th century was not limited to its pioneering designs; it also saw an era of global expansion that cemented its status as an international symbol of luxury and prestige. By 1902, Cartier opened its doors in London, positioning the brand within one of the world's major cultural and financial hubs. In 1909, Cartier opened its New York boutique, tapping into the vibrant American market.

Through strategic collaborations with local artisans, careful selection of materials, and a deep understanding of regional tastes, Cartier transformed from a Parisian marvel into an international sensation. The Cartier watch became more than a French luxury; it became a global emblem of style and refinement, transcending geographical boundaries to become a timeless classic. This era of expansion validated Cartier's enduring appeal, demonstrating that true luxury, as epitomized by Cartier's watches, knows no borders and speaks a universal language of elegance and excellence.

 

Cartier Tank Louis Cartier - Elongated Crown

Free

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  • Reference 78087
  • Watch Only

Year: Circa 1980s
Model: Tank Louis
Case Diameter: 21mm 
Lug to Lug: 38mm
Case: Solid Gold 
Dial: White
Movement: Manual

Condition

This Louis is in amazing condition, with normal wear. The watch is an early example of the 78087 with the inventory number engraved on the caseback and the large pointed crown. The dial has no signs of wear to the naked eye with a few light marks on the crystal. The watch comes with a Cartier tang buckle.

Louis Cartier, the founder of the Cartier Tank, invented the iconic model in 1917, paying homage to the Renault FT-17, a French tank used during World War I. The Tank's design was inspired by Renault's modern lines and was gifted to U.S. General John Pershing in 1918. The Tank debuted in 1919 and gained popularity in the early 1920s. The brand has a variety of modern-day models, including the Tank Anglaise, which features a case-incorporated winding mechanism and quartz movement; the Tank Louis Cartier, which features rounded lugs and a skeleton case; the Tank Americaine, which is an elongated version of the classic, the Tank Francaise, which is the sportiest, the Tank MC, which is the most masculine, and the Tank Solo, which showcases the best of the model. The Cartier Tank has been in production longer than most watches, making it an iconic masterpiece that combines classic design with modern principles.

Cartier, a luxury watch brand, has been synonymous with elegance, innovation, and timeless appeal since its inception in 1847. The brand's early creations, including the Cartier Santos and Cartier Tank, were an embodiment of aesthetic innovation and mechanical mastery, merging the finesse of jewelry with the functionality of timekeeping. As the brand grew, so did the family's involvement, as the children and grandchildren of Louis-François Cartier expanded the business and opened boutiques in various cosmopolitan cities.

The turn of the 20th century marked a revolutionary phase for Cartier, with the introduction of the Cartier Santos, which was designed for the famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and became one of the first wristwatches designed explicitly for men. The Cartier Tank watch, inspired by the geometric design of military tanks, was a symbol of modernity and minimalistic elegance. The uniquely shaped Cartier Tonneau broke away from conventional circular designs, demonstrating Cartier's commitment to artistic creativity and mechanical excellence.

Cartier's success in the early 20th century was not limited to its pioneering designs; it also saw an era of global expansion that cemented its status as an international symbol of luxury and prestige. By 1902, Cartier opened its doors in London, positioning the brand within one of the world's major cultural and financial hubs. In 1909, Cartier opened its New York boutique, tapping into the vibrant American market.

Through strategic collaborations with local artisans, careful selection of materials, and a deep understanding of regional tastes, Cartier transformed from a Parisian marvel into an international sensation. The Cartier watch became more than a French luxury; it became a global emblem of style and refinement, transcending geographical boundaries to become a timeless classic. This era of expansion validated Cartier's enduring appeal, demonstrating that true luxury, as epitomized by Cartier's watches, knows no borders and speaks a universal language of elegance and excellence.