Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tank Arrondie guiloché dial Mecanique Extra-Plate ref 896041, 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 20.4 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3071
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3071)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Tank Arrondie guiloché dial Mecanique Extra-Plate ref 896041 (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3071), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 20.4 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
The Tank family is instantly recognizable thanks to its straight lines and sharp angles. However, the Tank Arrondie (French for "rounded") subtly diverges from this signature design. By softening the corners of the classic Tank, the Arrondie adopts a faint hint of a "round-on-squared" shape. This particular model in 18 k yellow gold has some rarer features—let us elaborate: the dial features a fine silver guilloché pattern, not often seen! On the dial, you’ll find the hidden Cartier signature at 7 o’clock, along with black-printed Roman numerals, in typical Cartier style. The movement is based on the ultra-thin mechanical Caliber 21, created by the renowned Swiss watchmaker Frédéric Piguet. Frédéric Piguet was one of the pioneers in the ultra-thin wristwatch category, debuting the Caliber 21 in 1925. With a diameter of just 20.4mm and a thickness of 1.73mm, it set a new benchmark for compact watchmaking. In the mid-1950s, a collaboration between Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Jaeger-LeCoultre led to the development of a new ultra-thin movement designed for mass production. Known as the Jaeger-LeCoultre 803, Audemars Piguet 2003, and Vacheron Constantin 1003, these movements measured 21.05mm in diameter and 1.64mm thick. Remarkably, an upgraded version of this movement continues to be produced today! So, we have a movement that is nearly one hundred years old.. This Tank Arrondie is fitted with a fine Bulang & Sons strap and the watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Our love for these classic Cartiers runs deep—get in touch to learn more! Specifications: - Cartier Tank “Arrondie” Reference 896041 - 18k yellow gold case in 23x 29 mm - Serial 23xx dating the 1990s - Silver guilloché dial with painted Roman numerals - Serial number 17001xxxx, dating to the 1970s - Bulang ands ons leather strap - Manual wound ultra thin movement , based on a F.Piguet caliber 21 - Fully serviced by our watchmaker
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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