Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tank Louis 96019 "Extra Plate" with "Paris" Dial & Elongated Crown
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. 1980s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- Product 9901726171412
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9901726171412)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Tank Louis 96019 "Extra Plate" w/"Paris" Dial & Elongated Crown - *Unpolished* (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9901726171412), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 — Collectors Corner NY
The Cartier Tank has achieved iconic status in the world of watch design and, with the exception of a few distinctive variations, has maintained a consistent aesthetic throughout its extensive production history. The first commercially available Tank Normale was introduced in 1919, having been inspired by the treads of the French Renault FT-17 tank used in WWI. Throughout the decades, Tank watches have been documented on the wrists of notable figures from Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol. Today, Cartier feels more relevant in the worlds of fashion, music and popular culture than ever before. This particular Tank Louis "extra plate" ref. 96019 circa 1980s, features the "elongated" cabochon which some might argue is more attractive. The ultra-thin 5mm case wears more elegantly than the standard reference and houses the legendary Frédéric Piguet caliber 21 which is higher grade compared to the more common ETA movements we see. This piece has remained in stunning vintage condition for a Cartier of this era with clean dial preservation and a strong case. It comes accompanied with an 18k Cartier buckle and genuine Cartier gator strap in black. It's difficult to outdo the charm of a Tank Louis and this piece is a true showstopper, fit for a collector of any level. Explore more of our vintage Cartier watches .
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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