Cartier Tank Louis Small 78087

Cartier Tank Louis 78087 18k YG with Custom Bracelet

Released in 1917, the Cartier Tank was designed by Louis Cartier after he was inspired by the shape of the Renault tanks he saw on the Western Front during WWI. Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of horological design to ever be created, the Tank’s rectangular shape, svelte proportions, and timeless aesthetic have enabled it to earn a top spot within the horological hall of fame. Amongst the plethora of models that belong to this iconic collection is perhaps the purest distillation of its design, the Tank Louis Cartier. True to the original, the Tank Louis Cartier features the same classical dial and rounded case sides called “brancards” that stretch to form its lugs as the watch Louis Cartier designed all those years ago, which spawned the now-legendary collection and all of its associated models such as the Tank Francaise, Tank Cintree and so on. THE DIAL Featuring Cartier's signature crisp white dial with their iconic combination of black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, this Tank's dial design has become a lynchpin of the brand's aesthetic. THE CONSTRUCTION Offered as the smaller of the two Tank Louis options at the time, the ref. 78087 is 28mm x 20mm, making it slightly more svelte than its big brother, the ref. 78086. Adding some presence to its otherwise understated 18kt yellow gld construction, however, this example is offered on a custom 18kt yellow gold bangle-style bracelet that closes using a Cartier deployant clasp. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.