A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Cartier Tank Louis. Perhaps one of the most iconic watches of all time (and certainly one that has been desired by and worn by some of the most celebrated figures of the 20th Century to this current day). In fact, it feels that this special gem of watch design is actually entering into a renaissance in its desirability and collectibility. When initially launched all the way back in 1922, even the most ardent Cartier employee would have been hard pressed to imagine the watch would still be in the line and as popular as ever over one hundred years on.
This watch is unparalleled as Tank's go. This is the "Phase de Lune" Tank. It features a beautiful moonphase at the six o'clock position, and along with an extra center set hand for the date. The iconic Tank case is factory set with diamonds on each of the sides of the case. The watch also has all the classic details that Cartier lovers flock to the brand for – the Roman numeral dial with the hidden signature at the ten o’clock position, chemin de fer minute track is replaced here by the date running through he under side of the Roman Numberls, sword blued steel hands and a blue sapphire set winding crown. The “Swiss Made” signed dial is in excellent condition with no signs of crazing or damage from moisture or dirt, as can often be the case with these watches that can suffer from not being very tightly sealed. The case shows no signs of polishing and is in excellent condition, with all of the stamping and unique Cartier reference numbers still visible on the case back. Model reference number 81900.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement. This is a fairly rudimentary, but reliable, movement that powered the vast number of Cartier watches from the mid 1980’s through to the early 1990’s. The movement has just been replaced by Cartier, and comes with the accompanying paperwork.
Perhaps the most stunning feature to the watch is the beautifully made and incredibly rare full diamond set bracelet. It is the classic bead bracelet, but this example has a fully diamond set series of bead links. Intricately made, this is an exceptionally comfortable bracelet to wear, now fully pavé set. It has a classic butterfly clasp on the back and is all fully signed.
The watch comes with a factory full pavé diamond dial, with original Cartier crystal that is signed on the underneath of the crystal. This was a custom order dial from Cartier, and as far as we are aware, it is the only piece we have found with such a dial. There is the option to have this dial fitted back onto the watch and to replace the current factory classic white dial. This extra dial will accompany the watch.
Overall, this is a very special watch. Possibly unique. Cartier certainly did not make many of these moonphase Tank watches, let alone with diamond set case and bracelet. T
