Cartier Tank LC 18K YG (Ref. 96019) "Extra Plate", 1980s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Cartier Tank has become one of the most iconic watch designs of all time, and other than some more eclectic references produced has remained relatively the same over its long run of production. The Cartier Tank was originally designed in 1917 and became commercially available in 1919, and its design was inspired by the Renault FT-17 tank used by the French Military in the First World War. Although the Cartier Tank appears to have remained the same for the course of its design life, there are some interesting anomalies that happened during its production run that resulted in very collectible and very rare timepieces. This Carter Tank Louis Cartier, or Tank LC, is best known amongst collectors as the "Extra Plate" or "Extra Thin" and is one of the thinnest Cartier watches ever produced and features a total thickness of 4.9mm including the crystal. This impressive feat is achieved through the utilization of the renowned Frederic Piguet Cal. 21 ultra-thin mechanical movement. Though this Cartier Tank LC Extra Plate is one of the thinnest watches Cartier ever made, it retains the standard height and width dimensions of the Tank LC in this era. This makes for a perfect dress timepiece, both beautiful and elegant with the added benefit of sliding under the shirt cuff with ease. SPECS Stock # CTRTLCPEP96019-2 Brand Cartier Style Tank LC "Extra Plate" Model 96019 Serial 35XX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial White Roman Millimeters 23x30 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap W/ 18K YG Cartier Deployant Clasp CASE & BRACELET The extra thin or "Extra Plate" 18K yellow gold case is exceptionally well-preserved, retaining crisp hallmarks, factory finishing, and dimensions throughout. The case displays normal signs of gentle use with minimal evidence of being previously polished present. The original sloped-glass crysta shows subtle signs of use and is relatively unnoticeable while on wrist. The case retains its original blue sapphire cabochon crown. The uncommon back-screw case features some light wear with the factory finishing, original engravings, and hallmarks all present. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap with the original Cartier 18K yellow gold deployant clasp. DIAL & HANDS The original white Roman numeral dial features a charming vintage aesthetic, showing no spider cracking in the top lacquer with some subtle wear and marks present throughout. The original blued hands are also in excellent condition with no age or wear present. ACCESSORIES None. Watch is functioning and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.