Cartier Tank Louis Medium - ca. 1990 (service center paperwork)

A great icon, in a more compact size!

Description

A gold case, flared side lugs, a railroad-track minute scale, blue hands, and a winding crown set with a sapphire Cabochon: all the hallmarks of the Tank Louis Cartier are present. Instantly recognizable by its iconic design, this watch has lost none of its charm, even after so many years. It is elegant and very comfortable on the wrist. 

This is the medium-sized model, equipped with a very practical Quartz movement. It will appeal to those who love slim watches that blend seamlessly with the contours of the wrist.

The original dial of this Tank Louis, which was far too damaged, has been replaced with a new one, sourced directly from the Cartier boutique on Rue de la Paix. As a result, the watch comes with its Cartier after-sales service invoice dated March 2025. 

Thanks to its white dial, it can be paired with a bracelet of any color, depending on your taste and the season. The bracelet currently on the watch needs to be replaced: the replacement is included in the price, and Françoise will be delighted to help you choose your new custom-made bracelet.

How to wear it?

This Tank Louis Cartier is truly perfect for any occasion. It’s a watch that’s a pleasure to wear and admire. It’s particularly well-suited for everyday life, whether casual or elegant. 

Why did Françoise choose it?

Because it’s a watch we simply must recommend. It’s a must-have, both historically and stylistically. It’s the quintessential watch to pass down—a timepiece that combines technical mastery with aesthetic appeal, functionality with elegance. The Tank “was brilliantly designed to remain eternally contemporary.” That’s why we have complete confidence in it.

History

The Tank watch, known as the Tank Normale, first appeared in 1917. In honor of the heroes of World War I, its design was inspired by the first tanks. Five years later, the Tank Louis Cartier was introduced—a model very similar to the original but with a more elongated dial and thinner, more rounded lugs. Several generations followed, retaining the same signature design elements while adapting to new watchmaking technologies such as Quartz. Countless celebrities have embraced it, including Jackie Kennedy, Lady Diana, Alain Delon, Catherine Deneuve, Yves Saint-Laurent, Gary Cooper, Johnny Hallyday, and Sophia Coppola, to name just a few. Will you be next?